Social Policy Report on Child Poverty in Wales and the Uk
Social Policy Report on Child Poverty in Wales and the UK
Introduction
In the UK, particularly in England and Wales, children’s life chances are determined by the economic status of the families into which they are a part of. Children from poor households are more likely to suffer the consequences of their families’ condition. They will have to endure the stigma of poverty in a profoundly lopsided society where the socioeconomic standing of individuals is determined by their capacity to buy. These poor children also have less access to quality educational opportunities (Welbourne, 2012). Furthermore, children living in poverty at present are likely to remain poor for the rest of their lives because of intergenerational cycles of poverty (Fitzgerald & Kay, 2008). It is within this wider perspective that this essay analyses child welfare services in the UK, particularly in Wales. The essay begins by providing a brief overview of the historical influences, ideological framework, and organisation and delivery of child welfare services in the UK. It afterwards presents an overview of the nature and level of child poverty in the region and a comprehensive analysis of the efforts of the UK government and the Welsh Assembly Government to address the problem.
Historical Influences
Since the beginning of the welfare state, concern for child poverty by consecutive UK administrations has varied. Even though rates of child poverty in the earlier period were comparatively low in comparison to the current period, issues were raised with regard to whether the Beveridge approach—health care services are provided and funded through taxes, also called ‘socialised medicine model’—was sufficient to safeguard children from economic instability (Walker, 1999, p. 155). In the 1980s and 1990s, the rates of child poverty increased dramatically, manifesting high rates of unemployment and instability in international economy. Much expectation and optimism arose during the introduction of
Introduction
In the UK, particularly in England and Wales, children’s life chances are determined by the economic status of the families into which they are a part of. Children from poor households are more likely to suffer the consequences of their families’ condition. They will have to endure the stigma of poverty in a profoundly lopsided society where the socioeconomic standing of individuals is determined by their capacity to buy. These poor children also have less access to quality educational opportunities (Welbourne, 2012). Furthermore, children living in poverty at present are likely to remain poor for the rest of their lives because of intergenerational cycles of poverty (Fitzgerald & Kay, 2008). It is within this wider perspective that this essay analyses child welfare services in the UK, particularly in Wales. The essay begins by providing a brief overview of the historical influences, ideological framework, and organisation and delivery of child welfare services in the UK. It afterwards presents an overview of the nature and level of child poverty in the region and a comprehensive analysis of the efforts of the UK government and the Welsh Assembly Government to address the problem.
Historical Influences
Since the beginning of the welfare state, concern for child poverty by consecutive UK administrations has varied. Even though rates of child poverty in the earlier period were comparatively low in comparison to the current period, issues were raised with regard to whether the Beveridge approach—health care services are provided and funded through taxes, also called ‘socialised medicine model’—was sufficient to safeguard children from economic instability (Walker, 1999, p. 155). In the 1980s and 1990s, the rates of child poverty increased dramatically, manifesting high rates of unemployment and instability in international economy. Much expectation and optimism arose during the introduction of
Bibliography: Bevan Foundation (2010) Poverty and Social Exclusion in Wales. UK: Bevan Foundation. Bonoli, G. & Natali, D. (2012) The Politics of the New Welfare State. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Broadhurst, K., Grover, C., & Jamieson, J. (2009) Critical Perspectives on Safeguarding Children. UK: John Wiley & Sons. Butler, I. & Hickman, C. (2011) Social Work with Children and Families: Getting Into Practice. UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Farthing, R., 2012, Save Child Benefit. Child Poverty Action Group [online]. Available at: Fitzgerald, D Hendrick, H. (2003) Child Welfare: Historical Dimensions, Contemporary Debate. UK: The Policy Press. Invernizzi, A. (2011) The Human Rights of Children: From Visions to Implementation. UK: Ashgate Publishing Ltd. Lewis, J. (2008) Children, Changing Families and Welfare States. UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. Munro, E. (2008) Effective Child Protection. London: Sage. Waldfogel, J. (2010) Britain’s War on Poverty. UK: Russell Sage Foundation. Walker, R. (1999) Ending Child Poverty: Popular Welfare for the 21st Century. UK: The Policy Press. Welbourne, P. (2012) Social Work with Children and Families: Developing Advanced Practice. London: Routledge. Winckler, V. (2009) Paying the Price of Being Poor. UK: Bevan Foundation.