Plunket Welcomes Report On Child Poverty

The widespread impacts of child poverty are detailed in a report released yesterday for the Children’s Commissioner and Barnardos, A Fair Go for all Children – Actions to Address Child Poverty in New Zealand.

The report acknowledges the major impacts that poverty has on a child health and wellbeing, Brenda Hynes, Plunket National Clinical Advisor said today.

“The report outlines both the long and short term issues very clearly, and we support the recommendations made in the report,” said Ms Hynes.

A Fair Go for all Children highlights the consequences of child poverty on children missing out on the basics such as access to enough food, clothing, adequate shelter and health care and the learning experiences and opportunities to develop to their full potential. The report acknowledges that parents and caregivers have a primary responsibility, but they need financial and other support to equip them to provide these essentials for their children.

The report goes on to explain that the effect of poverty on child health is often mediated through poor nutrition, cold or overcrowded housing, and barriers to accessing health services. One of the direct links between child poverty and poorer outcomes later in life is through the impact of poverty on diet and thus on immediate wellbeing as well as physical and mental development and health.

ENDS

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