More for Children: Children’s Experiences of Poverty in Australia.

National Child Protection Week: A Call to Action for Every Child #

This National Child Protection Week, the Valuing Children Initiative (VCI) is standing strong behind the theme “Every child in every community needs a fair go.” In a country as wealthy as Australia, it’s unacceptable that one in six children is growing up in poverty. This must change.

Our End Child Poverty Campaign is dedicated to ensuring every child has a fair go. We’re calling on the government to legislate an end to child poverty and make it a national priority.

Professor Sharon Bessell and Cadhla O’Sullivan, key supporters of our campaign, have recently released the report More for Children: Children’s Experiences of Poverty in Australia. This report provides vital insights into the realities faced by children living in poverty in Australia.

In this research, children's voices are heard as they share their stories and experiences of living in poverty, giving us valuable insight into their perspectives.

It’s research like this that makes the case for urgent action and underscores why the report is crucial to the End Child Poverty Campaign.

What Children Tell Us About Poverty
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In the More for Children: Children’s Experiences of Poverty in Australia report, children's voices reveal the deep and multidimensional impact of poverty on their lives, unlocking the following key insights:

Three Dimensions of Child Poverty: The MOR Framework

Material Dimension
Opportunity Dimension
Relational Dimension

Key Findings from the Research

Children’s Voices on Material Basics
Children’s Voices on Opportunities
Children’s Voices on Relationships
Children’s Hopes and Fears

Policy Implications and Recommendations

Addressing Material Deprivation
Enhancing Opportunities for Children
Strengthening Relationships and Social Support

There is so much to unpack in this brilliant report, which offers a deep understanding of poverty from a child's point of view.

Recently, Professor Sharon Bessell presented these findings at the CSSA webinar, which you can watch on our channel HERE

Read the Report CSSA Webinar: Featuring Professor Sharon Bessell End Child Poverty Campaign

Professor Sharon Bessell is a leading scholar in social policy for children, currently spearheading the 'More for Children' research program at the Australian National University. In this CSSA Webinar Series 2024, Professor Bessell shares her insights on ending child poverty and creating child-inclusive societies. Watch as she discusses the importance of addressing multidimensional poverty and the need for policies that truly support every child's well-being.

WATCH HERE

Child poverty in Australia is a pressing issue, with one in six children growing up in poverty despite the country's wealth. This situation denies many children access to basic needs, education, and opportunities for a better future. The End Child Poverty Campaign, led by the Valuing Children Initiative, aims to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize public support to eliminate child poverty in Australia. By amplifying the voices of affected children and communities, the campaign strives to ensure that every child has the chance to thrive and lead a fulfilling life.

VISIT THE END CHILD POVERTY CAMPAIGN WEBSITE