Publication - Research and analysis
Tackling child poverty priority families overview
An overview of evidence on the six priority family types identified as being at higher risk of child poverty. Slide deck can be found in the supporting documents.
Intersectionality – other marginalised groups
Groups including families experiencing homelessness, families with a loved one in prison, people with experience of care, gypsy/Travellers, victims / survivors of domestic abuse, and families seeking asylum / refugees, will all face additional challenges and barriers which further increase their risk of poverty.
Structural barriers around income from employment
Examples of these barriers include:
- gypsy/Traveller have lower levels of literacy and education, and face discrimination
- victims / Survivors of domestic abuse may be prevented from working by their abuser or face difficulties due to experience of abuse
- looked after school leavers are more likely to leave school earlier and do so with fewer qualifications, impacting potential earnings
- even when given right to work, refugees face challenges having qualifications recognised meaning they may be unable to work in their expert field
- workplace discrimination persists
Structural barriers around cost of living
Examples of these barriers include:
- those experiencing homelessness spend more on essentials and rents in temporary accommodation
- energy costs are higher in mobile dwellings
- economic abuse can impact credit ratings and lead to long term economic instability
- families with a loved one in prison will face additional costs associated with visitation and supporting the family member
- refugees and asylum seekers arrive in Scotland with very little and can struggle to have their basic needs met
Structural barriers around increasing income from social security and benefits in-kind
Examples of these barriers include:
- shame and stigma can affect various groups, deterring applications for support
- imprisonment of a family member can lead to a sudden reduction in income and change in the benefits they receive
- having a child taken into care can have immediate financial impacts on parents and benefits can take time to restart once reunified
- refugees may need support to navigate and understand the social security system
What works
Policies should focus on:
- focus on holistic and whole person support
- consider intersectional challenges between different risk factors
- take steps targeted to addressing challenges faced by groups at risk of poverty