Back to Events

National Poverty in America Awareness Month

January 1, 2025

National Poverty in America Awareness Month raises awareness of the economic injustice and structural barriers that underpin poverty in America. This month, solutions are explored that address equitable access to resources and services every human deserves.  

For millions of individuals and families, poverty is more than a financial condition; it is a profound and multifaceted condition that affects every aspect of life. Poverty is a human rights issue connected to all desperate outcomes. Public Knowledge® recognizes the opportunity provided by this awareness month to highlight the intersection of poverty in our industry sectors of child support, healthcare, child welfare, and other social services. There are many opportunities for meaningful change. 

The Role of Child Support in Economic Stability 

Child support programs have the potential to support families and promote financial stability. Programs that integrate employment and training services, like the NextGen Employment and Training Services demonstration grant, address employment barriers commonly faced by non-custodial parents that limit their ability to provide for their children and support their families. Ensuring compassionate and inclusive child support policies enables economic stability and keeps families connected. 

Healthcare Access as a Pathway to Well-Being 

Every person deserves access to resources and services that support their health and well-being. The same injustices that promote poverty generate conditions that tax our health and limit access to quality care.  Medicaid and other public health programs serve as essential lifelines, especially when integrating strategies that address social determinants of health.  Solutions to systemic challenges, such as integrating concrete support into medical programs and addressing provider shortages and administrative barriers, are possible and move toward a system that provides equitable access to all.  

Poverty is Not Neglect 

Many families affected by poverty face increased surveillance and intervention by child welfare systems. Inequitable access to resources makes it difficult to meet basic needs, while stress and trauma from financial struggles can impact mental health and behavior. Frequent interactions with mandated reporters, community and professional biases, and the challenge of distinguishing between poverty and neglect often result in unnecessary Child Protective Services involvement. Implementing policies and interventions to address the underlying conditions for poverty can support a decrease in the likelihood of child neglect, avoid unnecessary child welfare intervention, and promote children’s and family’s safety and well-being. 

How PK Supports Change 

Addressing poverty requires more than addressing individual circumstances; it demands systemic change. Policymakers, service providers, and community organizations must acknowledge the inherent injustices within the system. Together, they can collaborate to reimagine systems that prioritize equity and long-term solutions. As a consulting firm, Public Knowledge® partners with health and human service agencies nationwide. Our work often addresses issues such as these to help improve access to services and drive system transformation. 

Positive Outcomes Delivered.

We are ready to solve your tough problems.