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University of Wisconsin–Madison
Poverty-related issues in the news, from the Institute for Research on Poverty

Child Welfare System and Poverty – Washington

What kids in poverty really need, By Jerry Large, March 14, 2010, Seattle Times: “People who wind up in Washington’s child- welfare system are often beset by ‘profound deprivation.’ Mark Courtney, whose organization conducted a study of the system, told me the depth of poverty has been a surprise even to people who regularly deal with child welfare. Data from a new study shows half of those families had problems securing housing, some were homeless, and two-thirds were so broke they needed food stamps. The study is part of an effort to transform the way this state helps its most endangered children, and it underscores the need to address poverty as a core part of that effort…”