The link between unemployment and child welfare, what does that mean for you in Maryland?

The link between unemployment and child welfare, what does that mean for you in Maryland?

 

Today the United States has more children living in poverty than any other industrialized nation according to Duncan Lindsey who wrote the Welfare of Children.  In Maryland that number was 14%according to the 2010 US Census. Growing up in poverty is on one of the largest threats to healthy child development.  

 

Poverty and financial stress can impede a child’s cognitive development and can contribute to behavioral, social and emotional problems.  There are thousands and thousands of kids in this country who can't eat or sleep properly, can't pay attention in school and can't smile, because of the lingering concern of parental unemployment.  In Maryland, families receiving unemployment benefits will be impacted even the more with the recent reduction in benefits due to Federal Sequestration.  Without relief, these children will face lifelong problems.  

 

NBC writer Jeff Cox explains that 11.7 million Americans are stillunemployed and times will only get harder as the federal spending cuts kick in.  As of July 1, the average weekly benefit of $289 will fall by $43.  Maryland, along with New Jersey cut their unemployment benefits by 22.2%.  To add insult to injury, on July 1st, Maryland also increased the cost of gasoline by 4 cents a gallon in taxes.  This money, according to Governor Martin O’Malley is to support new transportation projects over the next six years.  The law passed also includes a “mechanism” to automatically raise the tax in the future based on inflation.  Maryland also increased the cost of tolls statewide.  The Federal government is also considering adding 4 cents a gallon tax this year.

 

The impact of the unemployment cuts and the transportation toll and tax increases hurt the low and middles class Maryland citizens the most.  In just the last two years, we have seen car registration double, vehicle titling double and car dealer processing fees double. For those citizens that are working this on top of the payroll tax hike in January has given a dismal outlook for our future.

 

First Focus (an advocacy group) writes “that when the economy takes a downturn, it often hits the most vulnerable families the hardest. Unfortunately, funding for social services andassistance programs tends to drop during times of economic struggle, when they are needed most.

 

As states struggle to balance budgets and make difficult decisions on budget cuts, programs for vulnerable children and families are facing cuts. According to the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), at least 25 states have enacted budget cuts to critical services, including public health programs, programs for the elderly and disabled, k-12 education, colleges and universities, state workforce, and child welfare services. To date, states including Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio and Maryland have ordered budget cuts to child welfare programs.”

 

How do we address the needs of vulnerable families during these economic times?

 

Despite budget instability, People Effecting People is continually looking for ways to implement programs that support children and families and build linkages with community resources.  Citizen engagement in local public service allows a collaborative, informed citizenry and in turn, a more responsive government.  Community partners are tappedfor ideas in prevention strategies and volunteers are brought in to more fully support local service delivery in child protection. This concept is not new nor is it particularly creative, but it is critical in today’s economic climate.

People Effecting People was founded in 2012 by a group of leaders in the community who could no longer ignore the pressures of the economic hardships and needed to find a way to make a difference and create opportunity.  Economic uncertainty can cause significant stress in families already struggling to make ends meet.  Our team works to supplement those social programs cut out of the family budgets due to the rise in taxes and cuts in service funding.

To learn more about us or to volunteer please visit our website at www.pepdmv.org.