The length and depth of the current recession, its NOT over yet, is creating a level of homelessness for children that is unprecedented. Persistent high unemployment, much higher than the government claims (but thats another subject) has put millions, yes millions of children in danger.
It’s been reliably estimated that 2 million children have been thrown into poverty as providers have lost their jobs during the economic downturn. The long term effects of this terrible consequence will be felt for at least a generation.
A 60 Minutes segment (dated 3/6/11) was a heart tugging warning of the danger children who become homeless are in. The segment touched the issue of insecurity I have written about in previous blogs and in my latest book Ambition Cliff. Insecurity is one of the ills (malnutrition, poor education are just two others) these children will carry during their lifetimes. Insecurity will permeate every decision they make, inhibiting their ability to reach their full potential.
This may seem a distant problem to those unaffected but the consequences are not limited to these poor kids, the reality is we all will be negatively impacted by it.