Effects of Child Poverty are deep and long-lasting
In our Poverty Focus published this week, Social Justice Ireland looked at the impact of poverty, in particular child and family poverty. Over 230,000 children are living at risk of poverty in Ireland today. Studies undertaken since the mid-1990s indicate that the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has a direct relationship on the causes of death and chronic health issues in adults, with some evidence suggesting it alters a child’s DNA if not addressed in time. While child poverty is not of itself an ACE, there is a correlation between poverty and ACEs which, if ignored, can affect a child’s whole life.