Examination of child poverty, child health and health care access data for the United States, one of the worlds's wealthiest nations, shows that the US fails to protect the health and well being of millions of American children. Almost 20% of this nation's children under age 18, and 25% of those under six live below the national poverty line. (Bennett and Li, 1998). Latino and African American child poverty rates are almost double. Health access data remain discouraging. In the absence of a universal access system, more than 10 million children were uninsured in 1997 with numbers rising. (Children's Defense Fund, 1998). The strong association between poverty and child health indicators have long been documented. Evidence mounts on the causal link between SES and poor health. (e.g., Link & Phelan, 1997). Permanent negative child health outcomes have been documented as have the positive effects of early economic interventions.
This paper examines the relationship between child poverty and health in the United States by reference to the standards developed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and comparisons with other Western countries.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this verbal presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify three major themes characterizing US health policy as it affects child health outcomes. 2. Identify key features of child poverty rates, including differences between minority and Caucasian children. 3. Identify three or more negative child health outcomes associated with lack of access to health care. 4. Compare US and other industrialized nations' child poverty rates and child health outcomes. 5. Identify the UN standards pertaining to child health as stated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Keywords: Poverty, International
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Standards set by UN Convention on the Rights of the Child will be discussed
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.