1. CHILD POVERTY STRATEGY Frances Wood, Deputy Director, Employability and Tackling Poverty

2. STATISTICS 21% of our children still live in poverty. This compares with 23% for the UK as a whole in 2007-08. The proportion in Scotland has fallen from 28% in 1998-99 and levelled off at around 20- 21% since 2004-05. IFS Projections

3. WHY HAVE A STRATEGY? Requirement of the Child Poverty Act 2010 To develop a clear focus on the policies required to improve Scotland’s children’s outcomes – particularly those of the poorest children To set out key commitments which have the greatest impact on tackling child poverty

4. WHAT DOES THE STRATEGY DO? Sets out what can and should be done to make the most impact on reducing levels of child poverty, and on improving outcomes for children growing up in poverty. 2 key outcomes: 1. Maximising household resources 2. Improving children’s wellbeing and life chances

5. WHAT DOES THE STRATEGY NOT DO? Unable to touch on reserved issues such as: –Welfare Reform –UK Budget Decisions

6. LONG TERM APPROACH Building on existing long term strategies to tackle intergenerational cycles of deprivation Three underpinning principles: 1. Early intervention and prevention: breaking cycles of poor outcomes 2. Building on the assets of individuals and communities: moving away from a focus on deficits 3. Ensuring that children and families needs are at the centre of service design and delivery

7. 11 KEY ACTIONS OF THE STRATEGY 1.MAXIMISING HOUSEHOLD RESOURCES: increase the numbers of parents in good quality employment Increase household incomes Reduce pressure on household budgets

8. 2.IMPROVING CHILDREN’S LIFE CHANCES: To ensure that more children have positive outcomes in the early years, and that more children grow up in nurturing, stable households, with good parenting and home learning environments To reduce health inequalities among children and families To ensure children and young people receive the opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic background To ensure that more young people are in positive and sustained destinations To ensure that families receive the support they need, when they need it – especially the most vulnerable

9. 3. THE ROLE OF COMMUNITIES AND PLACE: To reduce levels of child poverty and minimise the impact of socio-economic disadvantage on children through communities and place

10. 4.DRIVING CHANGE: To drive change through working with local partners

11. MONITORING AND REVIEWING PROGRESS National Measures Local Measures Support for Monitoring child poverty at a local level Reviewing Progress

12. THE CHALLENGES AHEAD We must continue to work together to tackle the long term drivers of poverty and disadvantage Recognise the need to support those experiencing poverty now! We must remember that this is a long term approach and continue to build on our existing long term strategies to tackle intergenerational cycles of deprivation.

13. Where can I find the strategy? Phone for a hard copy on: 0131 244 0094 OR Visit the following website: www.scotland.gov.uk/publications

14. Any questions?