Reimagining Child Welfare – Structural Solutions to Combat Child Poverty in High-Income Countries
Despite living in wealthy societies, too many children still grow up in poverty. What can be done—nationally and locally—to change this? This Policy Brief explores the evidence and highlights actionable policy options to create fairer childhoods for all.
Despite comprehensive welfare systems and historically high public investment in social services, child poverty continues to persist – and in many cases grow – across high-income countries.
This paradox was central to an expert meeting convened under the Horizon Europe Mapineq project , which brought together academics, policymakers, and civil society representatives to examine the structural drivers of child poverty and identify promising solutions.
By Jani Erola & Markus Jäntti.
Editor: Daniela Vono de Vilhena.
Child poverty persists in high-income countries despite strong welfare systems, highlighting the need for policy innovation
National policies play a decisive role, but must be reinforced by locally tailored, integrated services that address families’ real-life circumstances
Intergenerational inequality and in-work poverty reveal that employment alone doesn’t ensure child well-being—stronger social protection is essential
Universal child benefits, coordinated services, and investment in the care workforce are critical to building equitable and resilient systems for children