Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States

Summary

This KIDS COUNT data snapshot illustrates how outdated methods measuring poverty in the United States are giving an inaccurate picture of how families are really faring and what public programs are actually working. The brief introduces the more accurate Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) and shows how government programs affect state poverty rates. Recommendations on targeting families in need give policymakers input on implementing efficient and cost-effective public programs. 

Table of Contents

• A New Measure of Poverty
• Impact of Major Interventions on Poverty for Children
• Need for and Impact of Investments Vary by State
• Effect of Safety Net Resources on Child Poverty
• Moving Forward

Key Takeaway

Child poverty rates by state vary dramatically using the Supplemental Poverty Measure

Regional patterns in child poverty differ from the traditional poverty measure.