Focus of report, Web site: Lift SD children out of poverty

The research is clear: Poverty is the single greatest threat to children?s well-being. Lacking economic security, safe, affordable housing, health care, nutrition and quality education ? especially during the early years, when 85 percent of brain development occurs ? can hamper children?s ability to flourish. Such deficiencies can also contribute to social, emotional and behavioral problems, poor health and mental health.

Risks are greatest for children who experience poverty when they are young and/or face deep and persistent poverty.
But effective public policies can make a difference. Understanding that the way to strengthen South Dakota is to invest in children, South Dakota Voices for Children in late 2008 brought together key stakeholders to identify cornerstones and develop recommendations to combat childhood poverty and shift public policy. That work is detailed in the report, A common good.? The five cornerstones are:

• Economic security,
  
• Housing,
  
• Health and nutrition,
  
• Education,
  
• Building public will.
  

You can view the report by clicking here.

As a first step toward helping families out of poverty, South Dakota Voices for Children in partnership with the Children?s Defense Fund of Minnesota, will also announce the launch of the Bridge to Benefits Web site. This site will improve the well-being of many families and individuals by linking them to benefit programs and tax credits. You can view the Bridge to Benefits Web site by clicking here.

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