Economic Security 

Overview

Children who grow up poor are more likely to experience negative outcomes.  When families are economically stable and secure, children are more likely to succeed.  Action for Children works to support children and families by promoting policies that increase access to family support resources. A 2009 report on census data found that the current recession and accompanying high unemployment are forcing more American children into poverty.

Did you know?  Since 2003, the number of poor children in working households has increased by half.

• Income: Action for Children works to help families meet their basic needs through employment income and other public benefit programs that fill the gap between wages and the cost of living.
• EITC and Other Tax Credits: Action for Children advocates for expanding the N.C. Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits that support working families. Additionally, Action for Children works in partnership with other organizations to ensure that families are aware of and apply for tax credits available to them. 
• Work/Family Balance: Action for Children advocates for legislation that helps parents balance the demands of employment with the needs of their families (i.e. paid sick days, affordable child care, etc.). 
• Assets: Action for Children works to increase low-income communities' access to banking services (i.e. savings accounts, loans,etc.) and homeownership and provide children with the tools and products to save for the future.
• Financial Education, or financial capability, is essential for young people’s preparation for the decisions that will be required of them as adults.
• Community:  Action for Children works to address concentrations of poverty and build vibrant communities across the state that can provide children with economic opportunity.

NEW DATA! The North Carolina Local Asset Poverty Index  provides data on asset poverty by region for the first time. Asset poverty is defined as the lack of sufficient financial resources to remain above the Federal Poverty Level for three months without earned income. Assets matter for a family’s economic stability and intergenerational mobility. Nearly 30 percent of North Carolina’s children live in asset poor households. Variation in asset poverty by region can provide information about the need for greater opportunities to save and build assets in communities across the state. Click here to view the North Carolina Local Asset Poverty Index.