Families, Parks and Recreation

Mayor's Children and Education Initiative

Economic Opportunity

Research confirms the link between child poverty and diminished chances of achievement and success. For instance, children in poor families are more likely to experience illness, child neglect, academic failure, early pregnancy, and juvenile crime.

When families are economically secure, they can focus on things like their children’s education. When families are struggling, however, they are often more worried about survival and cannot provide their children the things that economically secure families provide - stable housing, regular meals, healthcare when they are sick, safe neighborhoods to live in, enrichment programs such as sports teams and arts programs, and so forth.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 54% of Orlando’s children are growing up in poverty and low-income households. Most of their parents hold down jobs, but their income isn’t sufficient to afford the basics - housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and childcare.

If we are to make things better for children, then we must strengthen family economic security in our community.

U.S. Census Quick Facts about Children in the City of Orlando

Several national organizations support public policy measures that reduce and alleviate child poverty.

Click here to learn about The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s “Family Economic Success initiative".

Click here to see the latest research and policy recommendations offered by the National Center for Children in Poverty.

On October 25, 2004, the Orlando City Council unanimously approved funding for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Community Campaign. EITC lifts more American children out of poverty each year than any other government program – and will lift many Orlando children out of poverty as well. For more information on the Orlando EITC campaign, click here.