GUARANTEEING CHILDREN'S FUTURE - How COVID-19, cost-of-living and climate crises affect children in poverty and what governments in Europe need to ...
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GUARANTEEING CHILDREN’S FUTURE How COVID-19, cost-of-living and climate crises affect children in poverty and what governments in Europe need to do
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MAP: SAVE THE CHILDREN’S SELECTED WORK
ADDRESSING CHILD POVERTY IN EUROPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
STATE OF CHILD POVERTY IN EUROPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Europe and around the world, we Child poverty in Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a
healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our experts go to the The COVID-19 crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
hardest-to-reach places where it’s toughest to be a child. We ensure children’s unique needs
are met and their voices are heard. Together with children, families and communities, as well The cost-of-living crisis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
as supporters the world over, we achieve lasting results for millions of children.
The climate crisis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s
organization – transforming lives and the future we share. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EUROPEAN CHILD GUARANTEE
AND CHILD POVERTY REDUCTION POLICIES IN EUROPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
The European Child Guarantee and the National Action Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Acknowledgements Child Guarantee service areas: Free early childhood education and care (ECEC). . . . . . . . . . . 46
The paper was authored by Enrico Tormen in (Save the Children Lithuania); Blerina Celoaliaj
cooperation with Katerina Nanou and Tetiana (Save the Children in Albania); Piotr Kabala Child Guarantee service areas: Free education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sykes from Save the Children Europe, as well as and Francesca Marconi (Save the Children in
Child Guarantee service areas: Free quality healthcare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Rebeca Lucas, Alba Matamoros Escobedo and Poland); Margrét Júlía Rafnsdóttir (Save the
Maite Ferrando of Senior Europa S.L – Kveloce Children Iceland); Festina Kabashi and Kanarina Child Guarantee service areas: Sufficient and healthy nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
I+D+i. Shehu Efendija (Save the Children in Kosova/o);
Information included in this report stem Aleksandra Babic Golubovic (Save the Children Child Guarantee service areas: Adequate housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
from the invaluable contributions of Save the in Bosnia and Herzegovina North West Balkans).
Children staff: Magnus Birk Clause (Save the The document was edited by Anita Kelly and The use of EU and national funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Children Denmark); Johanna Vinberg (Save the designed by Irene Triantafyllou and Nadia Monitoring and evaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Children Finland); Samira Abutaleb Rosenlundh Ragkousi.
and Ida Gunge (Save the Children Sweden); Participation of CSOs and children in the development of the framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Eric Großhaus (Save the Children Germany); Published by
Harm Haverman and Sander Hehanussa (Save Save the Children Europe CONCLUSIVE REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
the Children Netherlands); Arianna Saulini, Rue Marie Thérèse 21
Antonella Inverno and Christian Morabito (Save 1000 Brussels Belgium +32 (0)2 512 78 51
the Children Italy); Alexander Elu, Jennifer www.savethechildren.net
APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Zuppiroli and Minevra García (Save the Children Brief country pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Spain); Roxana Paraschiv (Save the Children Cover photo:
Romania); Guste Baltuskiene and Auguste Lygyte Pablo Blázquez / Save the Children Child poverty matrix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
2 3
FOREWORD
working directly with children and families European countries must show they can rapidly
in 14 European countries, this report reveals turn child poverty commitments and plans into
how much children feel the devastating impact action. The Child Guarantee is a once-in-a-
of recent interlinked crises on their lives. The generation opportunity and governments must
“Well, sometimes I notice that mum doesn’t buy COVID-19 pandemic still affects their well- fully harness its potential, using national action
certain things. I hear her saying she got a letter being, their education, their social interactions, plans to correctly implement it. They must
about unpaid bills, and that we need to use less and their mental health. The conflict in Ukraine make extra efforts to fill the gaps highlighted in
water. So I try to shower less, and I don’t really dare and the consequent cost-of-living crisis are this report, such as defining clear targets and
drink water when I’m at home”. plunging financially stable families into poverty indicators and making sure there is adequate
and sinking millions of vulnerable children into funding.
These are the words of a child growing up in deeper poverty. As a result, eating or heating is
Finland, one of the wealthiest and most socially no longer a choice for many families in Europe; As the world faces a convergence of social
fair countries in the world. No child should have they are unable to afford either. At the same crises, the most vulnerable children are bearing
to go to school on an empty stomach, worry time, the climate crisis is not only a threat to the brunt of the impact. It’s time to make their
about their parent’s job or live in a cold home. the future of children in Europe, but a current, protection and well-being the top priority in
Yet, the impact of Europe’s many crises deprives tangible emergency that is jeopardising their every policy and initiative. Only in this way can
children across the continent of the essentials rights and impeding their access to services. we aim to build a fairer and greener Europe, for
they need for their development and well-being. and with children.
The evidence is clear. If we want our children
Save the Children has been ceaselessly to be protected, enjoy equal opportunities, Ylva Sperling
advocating to ensure that the issue of child and grow into healthy and fulfilled adults, Save the Children Europe Director
poverty tops the European agenda. We provide governments need to act now.
hands-on support to children and families in
need while pushing for new, robust measures
to protect their rights. That’s why we were
pleased to see European countries and EU
institutions take concrete steps to break the
intergenerational cycle of poverty and to protect
society’s most vulnerable children.
In particular, we commend the European
Parliament for requesting the creation of the
Child Guarantee – an unprecedented instrument
to ensure vulnerable children have access to
essential services – and for setting up a Working
Group that monitors the Guarantee’s progress.
We value the European Commission’s work
to design and monitor the Child Guarantee
together with civil societies and children. We
acknowledge Member States’ unanimous
adoption in 2021 of the Child Guarantee
Recommendation.
These results are impressive. But the work is far
from done.
Building on the input received from Save
the Children national members and offices
4 5
Its first chapter analyses the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living and
SUMMARY
climate crises on children in Europe, showing
the concrete detrimental consequences of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis,
and the climate crisis on children all over the
No country, no matter how rich, is free of child
continent. Cases of poor mental health are
poverty. Europe is one of the world’s wealthiest
reaching unprecedented levels, extreme weather
regions, yet it is facing increasing numbers of
events are more frequent, food is scarce and
children and families experiencing poverty and
unhealthy, houses are cold, leisure activities are
social exclusion. Eurostat’s latest data shows
unaffordable for more and more families, and
that almost one in four children in the EU is at
schools are often inaccessible or too crowded.
risk of poverty or social exclusion. And yet, these
figures do not fully reflect the detrimental and
The second one analyses the
prolonged toll that the COVID-19 pandemic and
implementation of the Child Guarantee and child
cost-of-living crisis on children’s rights and child
poverty reduction policies in the 14 countries,
poverty rates.
highlighting that the work to ensure proper
implementation of the Child Guarantee is far
On the other hand, the EU is witnessing a
from done. All Member States must make sure
unique political momentum for the protection
their Child Guarantee National Action Plans
of children’s rights. In 2021, the Council of the
are properly implemented, monitored, and
European Union adopted the Recommendation
evaluated. Their commitment to reducing child
establishing the European Child Guarantee;
poverty should be demonstrated by setting clear
the first EU-level policy instrument which
metrics, investing in upgrading data collection,
aims to comprehensively address childhood
defining more specific targets, and making
disadvantage and exclusion. This text requests
sufficient, sustainable funding allocations. No
Member States to provide vulnerable children
National Action Plan will be truly successful if
with free access to high-quality early childhood
it does not actively target and include the most
education and care, free education and school-
vulnerable children who are at the heart of the
based activities, at least one healthy meal each
Child Guarantee.
school day, healthcare, adequate housing, and
healthy nutrition. The Recommendation also
The document also includes brief countries
requires Member States to draft National
pages highlighting the main data for each of the
Action Plans to outline how the framework will
14 analysed countries, and an a map showcasing
concretely be implemented in their respective
a selection of Save the Children’s programmes
countries until 2030.
to tackle child poverty and social exclusion in
Europe.
This report builds on the input and insights
received by Save the Children members and
Child poverty is a barrier to the achievement of
offices working in 14 European countries
a more social Europe, a burden on our society
(Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark,
which is condemning millions of children to
Photo: Pablo Blázquez / Save the Children
Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo,
a life of neglect and missed opportunities.
Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania,
Hence, the report shows that, at a time when
Spain, Sweden) via a questionnaire designed
children’s rights are hindered by multiple and
by Save the Children Europe during the period
compounding crises, the implementation of
October-December 2022.
the Child Guarantee National Action Plans and
robust child social protection policies is more
urgent than ever.
6 7
INTRODUCTION Save the Children´s members and offices in 14 Child Guarantee. It has also been established Guarantee National Action Plans address
This report is about child poverty in Europe. countries gave input, data, and insights: Albania, that Member States with child poverty levels the worst consequences of child poverty,
It presents the latest figures, information, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Finland, above the EU average should allocate at least 5% accompanying measures that support families
trends on how children and families are affected Germany, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, of their ESF+ resources to tackle the problem, are also needed to lift children out of poverty.
by: The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, and while all other Member States are required to Decent wages, strong social safety nets and
Sweden. They answered a questionnaire sent allocate an appropriate amount of their ESF+ progressive redistribution are the long-term
out by Save the Children Europe from October- resources. The Recommendation expects EU answers to break the intergenerational cycle of
1 the COVID-crisis. December 20221. Member States to set up and implement National disadvantage for vulnerable children and to lift
Action Plans to prevent and combat social children out of poverty.
2 the cost-of-living crisis.
EU Finland, Sweden, Denmark,
exclusion by guaranteeing effective access of
children in need to a set of key services: effective
3
Germany, The Netherlands, and free access to high quality early childhood
climate change. member
Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, education and care, education, and school-based
states (10)
Photo: Elena del Real Moreno / Save the Children
Lithuania activities, at least one healthy meal each school
day, healthcare, adequate housing, and healthy
nutrition. This is a historical milestone: it’s the
Western Balkan countries first time that children’s effective access to basic
Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and services is considered a guaranteed right by the
Non-EU (4) Herzegovina
The report looks at the child poverty EU. The Child Guarantee ensures that vulnerable
reduction policies in Europe and at children have equal access to quality public key
EEA countries
how the European Child Guarantee basic in practice, not just in theory.
Iceland
is being implemented across the
European Union. The National Although Member States were expected to
Action Plans that are emerging from submit their National Action Plans by the 15th
the European Child Guarantee are Why is it important to of March 2022, not all of them have. As of
monitor child poverty in
assessed following the components March 2023, 19 plans have been submitted
which structure the framework: (Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Europe?
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
free early childhood education and
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The
care; free education; free quality
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden),
healthcare; sufficient and healthy No country is free of child poverty. Europe is one while 8 are still missing (Austria, Germany,
nutrition and adequate housing. of the wealthiest regions of the world, yet it has Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia,
Insights are also given on the alarming and increasing numbers of children and Slovenia) 5.
situation at national level in these families living with poverty and social exclusion.
respective areas, how National
The evolving situation in Europe requires a
Action Plans use national and EU
The most recent data from Eurostat reveal that speedy implementation of child protection
funds, how they involve CSOs and in 2021, 24,4% of children - or one in four - were policies. A cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation
children in their development at risk of poverty and social exclusion2, 0,4 is out of control in some countries; children
and roll-out, and how they will be percentage points higher than in 2020. The share arriving to the EU from Ukraine are in need of
monitored and evaluated. of children living in quasi-jobless households3 food, education and health care; the effects of
was 8,3%, up from 7,6% in 20204. Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic remain critical. There
figures vary across countries, child poverty is not time for inaction, any further prolonged
remains a pan-European crisis that must be delay of the submission of the National Action
urgently and properly tackled. Plans is of deep concern, negatively impacting
the children and the entire society.
To address this crisis, on 14 June 2021 the
Council of the European Union adopted the At the same time, it is worth noting that while
Recommendation establishing the European the European Child Guarantee and the Child
8 9
AREAS OF FOCUS SAVE THE CHILDREN’S SELECTED WORK
ADDRESSING CHILD POVERTY IN EUROPE
Advocacy
Child participation
Child protection For more detailed information on the programmes click here.
COVID-19
Early childhood education and care
Iceland
Education
Healthcare and well-being
Income support Sweden
Meaningful leisure time
Migration & emergency
Services Finland
Training
Unaccompanied children
Denmark
Lithuania
The Netherlands
Germany
Romania
Italy
Spain Albania
Photo: Mingo Venero / Save the Children
STATE OF
IN EUROPE
CHILD POVERTY
13
Table 1: Children at risk of poverty or social exclusion rates – available in Eurostat12.
CHILD POVERTY IN EUROPE
Country reference 2019 2020 2021
European Union (EU-27) 22,8% 24,0% 24,4%
Denmark 13,8% 13,4% 14,0% LEGEND
Germany 15,4% 22,3% 23,5% ≥12,7 to 14,63
Spain 31,0% 31,8% 33,4% ≥14,63 to 20,03
Italy 27,1% 28,9% 29,7% ≥20,03 to 23,1
Lithuania 25,8% 23,1% 21,6% ≥23,1 to 25,9
Child poverty today is a pan-European crisis that The cost-of-living crisis – caused by a complex
Netherlands 15,4% 15,8% 14,9% ≥ 25,9 to 32,87
affects millions of children and families. Poverty mix of factors including the economic impacts
deprives children of their possibility to thrive of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Poland 16,2% 16,1% 16,5% ≥32,87 to 51
and reach their full potential in adulthood. Even Ukraine – is exacerbating this critical situation.
Romania 39,1% 40,7% 41,5% N/A: Data not available
a temporary experience of deprivation can have Families and children in vulnerable situations
devastating consequences for a child, lasting a are among those most exposed to the daunting Finland 13,8% 14,5% 13,2%
lifetime, if not generations. Poverty affects every impact of rising inflation. Skyrocketing costs risk
Sweden 23,0% 20,2% 19,7%
aspect of a child’s life, negatively impacting their plunging financially stable families into poverty
material living conditions, their education, their and sinking millions of vulnerable children into Iceland 14% 12,7% 13,1%
relations with their families, their personal and deeper poverty. Child poverty levels are thus
professional developments. In other words, likely to escalate as the full economic impact Albania13 23,0% 21,8% 22,0%
poverty deprives children of their fundamental of these social and economic crises becomes Kosovo N/A 20,7% 14 23% 15
rights and opportunity to thrive. apparent, making it even more urgent to act.
Note: Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are not included in Eurostat database.
Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has
exacerbated inequalities and vulnerabilities,
Comparison of child
poverty rates across
putting huge pressure on available social According to Eurostat AROPE rates16, the risk of In 2021, countries with previously high AROPE
services. Children could not go to school, meet poverty or social exclusion for children in the EU rates have seen an increase in child poverty, but
countries and over
their family members, play with their friends, increased from 24,0 % to 24,4 % between 2020 countries with lower AROPE rates have seen a
nor have access to much-needed services. They and 2021. In 2021 it was the lowest in Finland decrease.
were locked in their homes with limited social
interaction and with their education disrupted. the last two years and Denmark (13,2% and 14% respectively)
(2020-2021)
and the highest in Spain and Romania (33,4% Some general trends emerged over 2020 and
Their parents struggled to make ends meet after and 41,5% respectively). In between are The 202118. The risk of poverty or social exclusion
being laid off or obliged to work part-time. Netherlands (14,9%) followed by Sweden for children was higher in 2021 compared to
AROPE6 is the main indicator used to measure (19,7%), Germany (23,5%), Lithuania (21,6%) 2020 for Romania, Spain, Italy, and Germany,
progress towards the EU 2030 target on poverty and Italy (29,7%). According to INSTAT, 22% with the highest difference recorded in Spain
and social exclusion in Europe7, which aims at of Albanian children were at risk of poverty (+ 1,6 percentage points). As an example of
SPAIN reducing the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in 2021, an increase of the impact of this trend, a total of 3,26 million
“I have a part-time job, but I need and social exclusion by at least 15 million by 0,2 percentage points compared with 2020 children in Germany live at risk of poverty or
2030. Out of them, at least 5 million should be data. Notably, the Albanian government is social exclusion according to Save the Children
the help of friends to get clothes for
children. AROPE looks at people who are either working in cooperation with CSOs to establish Germany19, while in Italy 2,85 million children
my daughters. Although difficult, I
at risk of poverty8, or severely materially and new indicators to collect data on children grow up at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
manage to cover the basic needs of my
socially deprived9 or living in a household with a experiencing poverty and social exclusion17.
daughters with the support provided by On the contrary, for the rest of the countries,
very low work intensity10,11.
Save the Children Spain.” This increasing trend is even more notable when with the exception of Denmark, a decrease
compared to the AROPE rates before COVID-19 in AROPE rates was recorded, with Lithuania
started (2019 rates). Rates continued to rise in showing the greatest reduction in 2021 (-1,5
2021, except in Sweden, Finland, and Lithuania percentage points).
where they were higher in 2019.
14 15
Table 2: Material deprivation rate (less than 18 years old – data available until 2020), Eurostat Obtaining data on child poverty is especially Spain has data on child poverty rates by age
difficult in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. group. In 2021, 32% of children under 6, 33,3%
Country 2018 2019 2020 2019 - 2020 Some of the available data refer to Kosovo as the of children 6-11, and 34,7% of adolescents 12-17
poorest country in the Western Balkans, with up experienced poverty or social exclusion. Sweden,
Denmark 8,5% 6,7% 7,5% ↑
to 45% of general poverty rate, 12% of extreme Finland, Iceland, and Kosovo also have data on
Germany 8% 6,2% 15,2% ↑ LEGEND poverty and 18% of child poverty23. However, child poverty by age group, but it can be difficult
↑ the figures are likely to have increased with to compare the data between countries. In
Spain 15,4% 15,1% 18,6% Among 4% and 10% the COVID-19 pandemic. UNICEF’s report24 Sweden, statistics show that the risk of poverty
Italy 16,3% 13,8% 13,0% ↓ Among 10% and 20% has suggested that the recent rise in food and is greater for younger children. In Finland,
Lithuania 21,2% 16,8% 17,8% ↑ energy prices (inflation currently at 18%) in the risk of poverty is also greater for younger
Among 20% and 30%
Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasing poverty children — especially in their first three years of
Netherlands 5,8% 5,8% 6,0% ↑ Among 30% and 40% and food deprivation and worsening inequalities. life. In Iceland, children under 5 are more likely
Poland 9% 8,1% 6,2% ↓ In 2019, 337,003 people, approximately 10% of to lack material quality than older children and
Above 40%
the population, received social welfare, 77.732 adolescents. And in Kosovo, children 0-14 are
Romania 35,2% 29,8% 36,1% ↑ N/A: Data not available (23,1%) of which were minors. at a higher risk of poverty compared to older
Finland 8,8% 7,1% 8,2% ↑ teenagers.
Sweden 6,8% 7,7% 7,1% ↓
Iceland 4,6% N/A N/A
Similar trends can be observed when considering ALBANIA
the material deprivation rate20, indicator defined
as the percentage of population with an enforced E., 8, was placed in a residential
lack of at least three out of nine material care institution when he was only
deprivation items in the ‘economic strain and 11 months old. His parents were
durables’ dimension. The indicator shows a
unemployed, and his father was
significant increase in Denmark, Germany,
Spain, Lithuania, Romania and Finland, slight an alcoholic who was violent to
increase in The Netherlands, slight decrease in his mother. They divorced, and E.’s
Italy, and decreasing rates in Sweden, Albania. mother struggled to provide food and
education for her children. Save the
Children helped to find E. a safe and
Countries with other data loving home at his uncle’s house – his
sources
‘kinship care family’. Save the Children
ensured that his uncle and family
were supported by social workers,
Save the Children Iceland provides data for informed, and trained on how to fulfil
2021 which shows that 13,1% of children in all E.’s learning and development needs
Iceland are at risk of poverty (more than 10.000 and how to deal with challenging
children)21. This is an increase of 0,4% compared behaviours. Today, after six months
to 2018.
of living with his kinship care family,
E. is a happy, calm, and healthy boy
In 2022, INSTAT Albania published for the first
who attends school and loves his ‘kin
time the main results of the Income and Living
Conditions Survey (EU-SILC) that measures mother’ very much: “I love my mom
living conditions, relative poverty and material taking care of me and I like taking care
deprivation in Albanian households. This survey of her”. Photo: Lolo Vasco / Save the Children
is in line with the Eurostat methodology22.
16 17
Figure1: Share of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion, analysed by household composition (2020-2021), Eurostat
Figure 1: Share of the population at risk of poverty or social exclusion, analysed by household composition, Eurostat
Parents with lower education levels
44,1% Eurostat31 figures for 2021 show that 62,5% of Spotlight on Save the
Children in Poland
children in the EU that live with their parents are
at risk of poverty or social exclusion if the highest
32,8% 31,2% level of education attained by the parents was
lower secondary (ISCED 32 levels 0-2). However,
Since 27 February 2022, Save the Children
only 9,8% of those children living with parents
(SCI) has been helping children and families
with at least tertiary education or higher grades
in Ukraine who are affected by conflict. As
15,6% 15,5% 16,2% (ISCED levels 5-8) were at risk of poverty in the
a new organisation in Poland, with no prior
EU. When analysing the gap between lower and
presence, it set up its operation in Poland
higher education levels in the Eurostat report
and was successfully registered as a Polish
the range varies from 20,7 percentage points in
foundation in April 2022. Save the Children
Finland to 80,1 points in Romania33.
Poland has already helped 37,910 affected
people, of which 31,918 are children.
Children from large and They set up programs in border towns
Single adult Single adult Two adults Two adults Two adults Two adults with disadvantaged families and expanded to Wroclaw through their
with with one with two three or more cash assistance program. They are also
dependent dependent dependent dependent
children child children children In Sweden, for example, 32% of children living working with partners to provide support
in households with two siblings or more, are at for children in two centres along the border
risk of poverty34. In Italy, 22,6% of households with Ukraine. They also set up libraries
with five members or more are in absolute and Digital Learning Centres in Poland and
Categories of children in
poverty, compared with 11,6% of four-person are supporting four schools for Ukrainian
households35. children and 11 Polish schools that welcome
need across Europe: Main mothers have a higher ratio of living at risk of Ukrainian students. They also provide
groups of children at risk
learning materials to schools in Warsaw,
Children in migration, refugees,
poverty (49% in 2021)26 and this is even higher
when referring to children living with single Krakow, and Wroclaw. They support over
foreign-born mothers (62% in 2020)27. In Italy asylum-seekers, undocumented and 50 Digital Learning Centres across Poland
that are safe places for children to learn,
and in Finland children from single parent
unaccompanied children
Children from single parent families households are also at greater risk of poverty, play and get mental health support.
with a share of 11,5%28 and 25,9%29 respectively. In Italy, for instance, the number of migrant
According to Eurostat, the risk of poverty or Lithuania’s single parent households had 50% They have an established presence in border
citizens living in absolute poverty, according to
social exclusion was highest for dependent lower income than the country median (risk of locations, expanding their reach to Wroclaw
the national statistics, reaches 32,4%, compared
children living with a single adult in the EU- poverty) in 2020. In Spain, the poverty rate for through our Multipurpose cash assistance
to 7,2% of Italians36.
27; 44,1% are at risk25. This is 21,6 percentage single parent households was 45,5%. The income programme which is directly implemented
points higher than the average for all types of of Finland’s single parent households is 60% of by field teams in Krakow and Wroclaw. SCI
Children with disabilities
households with dependent children (22,5 %). the country median. in Poland is working with partners to deliver
Psychosocial Support (PSS) to children in
This finding has been supported by most Save safe spaces at two reception centres on the
The situation is even worse for those children
the Children members and country offices. In Children from low-income families with disabilities growing up in rural areas.
border with Ukraine and we have set up
Iceland 22,6% of children living with one parent libraries and Digital Learning Centres (DLC)
live in a low-income household compared to This includes children from low-income working across Poland.
16,1% in households with 2 adults and children. families and from families receiving social
Children from ethnic minorities
In addition, 24,1% of Icelandic households had benefits. Poverty of families is not always linked
difficulties in covering the daily expenses in to unemployment – for example, in Finland, They are one of the most vulnerable groups of
2021, but this was the case for 51% households almost half of all low-income families with children in their country. Children from Roma,
with single parents compared with 16,1% children include one working parent.30 Ashkali, and Egyptian (RAE) communities are
households with two or more adults with over-represented in institutional care and often
children. In Sweden, children living with single are subjected to discrimination and belong
18 19Other vulnerable groups
to one of the poorest categories. In Romania,
CHILDREN AT RISK OF POVERTY OR SOCIAL EXCLUSION
most recent data37 show that 79% of the
As reported by Save the Children members and country offices that contributed to the report. Roma children were at risk of poverty in 2021,
Identified by Save the Children members and
compared to 30% of the general population of
offices, these groups include:
ds
children. Across Europe, 29% of Roma children
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at risk of poverty38. In the Italian south, 10,0% resources due to challenging conditions
of households live in absolute poverty compared for example illness, mental vulnerability,
LOW INCOME / POOR HOUSEHOLDS with 6,7% and 5,6%39 in the north and centre of substance abuse, isolation.
the country. In Romania, the AROPE rate in 2021
• Children living in rented accommodation.
was 16,1% in cities, 30,7% in suburbs, and 50,1%
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Posed by a model. Photo: John Owens / Save the Children
ETHNIC COMMUNITIES
20 21THE COVID-19 CRISIS more affected by mental health problems than
young boys. 43% of girls aged 13-16 reported
having emotional problems. Similar mental 90% of the total number of identified potential
health reports are coming out of countries such victims of human trafficking in Bosnia and
as Lithuania, Finland, and Albania. In Spain, Herzegovina from January 2021 to June 2022
mental health conditions among children aged were children. In Iceland, reports registered
between 4 and 14 years of age tripled between to the child welfare system about violence and
2017 and 202145. neglect against children increased since the start
KOSOVO of the pandemic. 2022 registered a 12% increase
“My parents were worried about of reports about domestic violence from 2021.
COVID-19. They talked a lot about the Money became tighter Reports about violence from parent to children
COVID-19 hit children hard, not only in terms number of cases and transmitted a lot doubled52.
of health and social impacts but also from of stress to us, they did not spare us The pandemic pushed many families in Europe
from this stress.” into financial difficulty. In Romania, the
School performances and healthy
the lockdown measures taken to control the
emergency. percentage of people who could not afford
(child - 15 years old)
a meal that included meat, chicken, fish (or a
lifestyles suffered
The loss of jobs and income and the subsequent Young Voices Report vegetarian equivalent) every second day has
poverty were heavy blows for many families increased from 14,2% in 2019 to 19,2% in 2021. School performances suffered as indicated by
and were particularly harmful for children For families with three or more children, this research in Lithuania53 and Italy. In Italy, share
from poorer families and for those in less figure increased from 17,5% in 2019 to 23,6% in of students reaching upper secondary education
socially protected countries. In 2020 the global
The impact of the 202146. During 2020, a survey carried out in Italy
on minors between 8 and 17 years of age showed
without adequate competencies rose from 7,5%
COVID-19 crisis on
socioeconomic crisis caused by the pandemic in 2019 to 9,8% in 202154. Research in Germany
pushed 142 million more children into monetary that for almost half of the families (46,7%), showed that more children stopped doing
children and families
poverty in developing countries41. Beyond economic resources had been considerably sport and then ate unhealthily and spent more
monetary poverty, data from more than 70 reduced and one in three households (32,7%) time online. While the increase in unhealthy
countries indicate that around 47% of children had to postpone paying their bills47. Bosnia behaviours decreased again a bit in the most
were severely deprived of at least one critical The negative effects of the pandemic on children and Herzegovina reports that pressure since recent survey in 202255, every fifth child still eats
need such as access to education, health care, in European countries have several common COVID-19 on household incomes has increased more sweets than before the pandemic.
housing, nutrition, sanitation, or water42. themes. and, combined with a fragmented and inefficient
social protection system, has heavily weighed
Disruptions to schooling and remote learning
Mental health suffered
on low-income families, causing debt and
insufficient food intake. This situation will not What has been done to
reduce the impact of
policies increased inequalities. Children with
more education needs and/or socioeconomic alleviate underage forced marriage, which
COVID-19?
difficulties struggled with the lack of necessary A survey carried out in Hamburg, Germany, in is still used in Bosnia and Herzegovina as an
technology at home, skills gaps of their 202144, showed that every third child suffers alternative for some families to earn money48.
teachers and/or absence of parental support. from psychological problems with anxiety,
depressive symptoms, and psychosomatic Most countries are tackling the combined effect
An increase in violence against
Healthcare systems and welfare states became
overburdened. Stillbirth increased since complaints on the rise. Despite a small of the COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis by
COVID-19 as women are less likely to access improvement in the results from the beginning children trying to reduce poverty through initiatives such
quality antenatal and delivery care. More of 2022, children and adolescents are still as: additional child benefits (Finland, Germany,
vulnerable children are becoming malnourished reporting more mental health issues than Children faced more violence as a result of a Denmark, Spain, Lithuania); energy allowances
in absence of targeted action to prevent it. before the pandemic. The most affected are pandemic that caused unemployment, economic or subsidies (The Netherlands, Finland, Italy,
Vaccines programmes suffered, posing a socially disadvantaged families. From research vulnerability, stress and fear. Research in Denmark, Germany, Spain, Lithuania, Romania);
threat to preventable child deaths. Finally, the in The Netherlands in January 2022, only Sweden found children’s exposure to domestic regulating the energy prices (The Netherlands,
psychological stress and uncertainty of a global 58% of young people aged 16 to 24 said they violence increased49 but their access to Germany, Albania); tax rebates (Germany,
pandemic put children more at risk of violence, considered themselves to be in good mental protection measures was reduced50. Child The Netherlands, Finland), public transport
exploitation, and abuse43. health. However, as the world began to re-open neglect was an additional consequence revealed discounts (Germany, Spain); food vouchers
in March 2022, that number improved to 71%. in a report in Iceland51. Lithuania has also (Romania); housing benefits or cap on rent
Another Dutch study found that young girls were highlighted violence against children and almost increases (The Netherlands, Sweden, Spain).
22 23The measures to support families in Denmark allowance, set at €103,70, which will be equal for In Albania, the state budget for the health sector children affected by any form of violence.
reached 400 million Danish krone (€53 all the states of the country. in 2021 was increased by 23%, including a 40%
million approximately) in 2020. Some of these additional budget for medical staff at the front Albania developed education courses for
funds were allocated to CSOs, who played lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Psycho-social primary and secondary students disseminated
an important role in supporting children and Targeted Mental Health measures support was provided to families through a through national TV channels. In addition,
families during the pandemic. dedicated help-line. remote learning was made widely available via
Several countries have reinforced public health online platforms.
The economic packages in The Netherlands and mental health policies and resources.
were initially focused on preventing Finland allocated more financial resources to Support for education and/or family
unemployment. In 2021 and 2022, €146 million
was provided to reduce poverty and debt in the
youth mental health care and strengthened
cooperation between educational professionals services Areas for improvement
country, including subsidies to provide resources and mental healthcare specialists. The
In Sweden, the government considered that Following a comprehensive evaluation of the
in kind to children of low-income working ‘psychological bonus’ put in place in Italy
closing primary schools because of the pandemic impact of the pandemic on children, Finland is
parents. is a buffer measure to support the costs of
would negatively affect children and society. working to foster cooperation across different
psychotherapy sessions59. Of the 266.000
Therefore, most primary schools have been kept service levels, such as education, healthcare
In Italy, over €1 billion were allocated to support applications received by the Italian National
open. Furthermore, the government has been and mental health66. Moreover, the country is
the education system to cope with the effects Social Security Institute from the under-35s
working to improve communication directly preparing a social security reform to be able to
of COVID-19 including the provision of internet as of 20 October 2022, 32,1% (more than
with children and young people. The German adjust social security according to the needs
fibre cabling and digital equipment. Similarly, 78,000 applications) concerned children and
authorities have launched a programme64,65 and rights of children in different life situations
the German authorities launched a €2 billion adolescents aged 0-1860. The €25 million for
to reduce the negative effects on children in and transitions. However, it has also been
programme56,57 to reduce the negative effects of the measure will not be enough to cover all the
education, providing resources to compensate acknowledged that resources in health care
the pandemic on children’s education. Despite requests received.
for learning backlogs in schools, provide leisure- services are not sufficient to effectively support
this investment, Germany is in the bottom third oriented social learning and psychosocial vulnerable groups of children.
of Europe in terms of per capita expenditure on In The Netherlands the state-secretary has
support. Funds can be applied for trips, culture
extra support in education58. announced a plan to improve mental health in
and sports, and get to have extra training in In Iceland, the government has agreed to
five domains: online, at school, at work, in the
helping children deal with emotional and social produce a report on the social costs of poverty,
In Spain, the government increased the neighbourhood and in society at large61.
issues to re-enter the school system. Social work as a foundation for eradicating poverty.
Minimum Income Scheme by 15% to compensate at schools has been strengthened in several
for the higher cost of living, deployed additional In Iceland, one government report
federal states. This is especially helpful for In Germany, there is a growing need to
benefits for families in extreme poverty, and gave recommended creating a specific working group
children at risk of poverty or exclusion, especially standardise effective actions and provide
direct incentives (e.g., €200 to every working to provide social and health mitigation measures.
when schools are closed. professionals in the education system with
adult under a €14.000 /year income threshold). Moreover, there are specific initiatives, such as
the skills necessary to address the pandemic’s
New child benefits were introduced in December the programme run by Save the Children Iceland,
In Iceland, school activities were maintained impact on children in different situations.
2021 (e.g., €100 per child per month between in which social skills, empathy and positive
during lockdown, so primary schools and
0-3 years old). communication are trained to prevent bullying
kindergartens never closed completely. Despite the measures implemented by European
and social exclusion. This programme runs in
However, for secondary school remote learning countries to combat the impact of COVID-19,
Albania developed an economic package 65% of kindergartens and 30% of pre-schools of
was often applied. the work is far from over. These testimonies and
that doubled the unemployment benefits and the country62.
findings demonstrate that the severe impact
social assistance during the pandemic. In April In Lithuania, services for families were assured that the pandemic is still having on children
2020, 176.000 families received 4.000 euros Spain has launched a new national Strategy
by local governments and mainly provided by and families all over the continent cannot be
to counteract the impact of the pandemic. The on Mental Health 2022-202663 with a budget
NGOs. For children in need, different activities overlooked. Governments must continue to
government also supported one-off financial of €100 million. The initiative includes mental
were boosted at care day centres. A specific assess the issue, work with children and civil
assistance of ALL 16.000 to help 4524 families health and suicide prevention objectives in
initiative provided parents a helpline for advice societies, and deliver effective solutions.
and individuals not registered in the national aid children. A 24/7 free helpline has been launched.
on their concerns. Concrete measures were
scheme. The strategy promotes an integrated approach
developed to protect and provide assistance to
for health and social services, family support
Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a new Act on and prevention. A medical specialisation on
material support for families with children at the child psychiatry has been recognised as a formal
beginning of 2022. For the first time, the federal qualification in 2021-2022.
government takes over the financing of the child
24 25THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
Finland Save the Children Finland highlights that in the Nordic countries,
where extreme weather conditions make heating houses an absolute
priority, the increase in energy prices means that many households
This chapter summarises the content of the Save severely, it is the poorest children who suffer might not be able to adequately heat their home this winter. With
the Children Europe policy paper67 covering the most from inflation. Save the Children has food prices too high compared to social security benefits and salaries,
impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children already emphasised that children living in many children are expected to suffer from the lack of healthy food and
published in December 2022 in anticipation migration, growing up in single-parent families, regular warm meals73.
of this report. Please refer to the policy paper large families, or low-income families, belonging
for more in-depth information on the topics to an ethnic minority or having a disability, are Spain In Spain, even before the onset of the crisis 17% of children lived in
mentioned below. more likely to be at risk of poverty.70 This crisis, families that could not afford to pay their utility bills, mortgage, or
unfortunately, is no different. rent on time74. The price evolution of goods and services needed for
parenting has been higher than the general increase in prices (14,5%
Inflation exacerbates In recent years, millions of families had been vs 11,3% between July 2018 and March 2022). Today, almost 900.000
child poverty
struggling to keep their children warm or fed. But families do not earn enough to cover the cost of parenting75.
with an escalating cost-of-living crisis, families
with nothing left to cut back on are no longer Sweden Sweden reports that many non-profit organisations see an increase in
in the position to choose between heating or the number of families seeking assistance and have warned about the
eating. They are unable to afford either. impact on children76.
FINLAND
Many households throughout Europe will not Poland The Polish economy has been facing several serious economic
“Well, sometimes I notice that mum be able to adequately heat their homes. They challenges such as a stark increment in prices, raise of the level of
doesn’t buy certain things. And I hear risk disconnection from water, energy, and public debt, runaway inflation, large expenditure to support people
her saying she got a letter about unpaid digital services. Cold homes can cause or worsen fleeing from Ukraine77.
bills, and that we need to use less water. respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases,
So, I try to shower less, and I don’t really poor mental health, dementia, hypothermia, and
problems with childhood development71. Germany The umbrella foodbank organisation in Germany, Tafel Deutschland,
dare drink water when I’m at home68.” registered a 50% increase since the beginning of the year, with some
foodbanks unable to accept new applications78.
The combined impact of the COVID-19 SPAIN The Netherlands The umbrella organisation for foodbanks79, VBNL, has reported a 10%
pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine have increase of people applying for help – this rise is expected to continue.
created a perfect storm for the worst cost- “Electricity and gas prices have risen
of-living crisis in a generation. Eating or excessively, as has the price of housing. Romania A recent survey80 on the impact of the economic crisis on Romanian
heating is no longer a choice for many families We feel like we’re drowning.” families revealed that 40% of households have seen their income
in Europe. They are unable to afford either. decrease compared with the previous year (2021) and expenses have
Children’s mental health, already pressured grown by 98%. Most households have been forced to spend more on
by the COVID-19 pandemic, is under growing utilities, food, healthcare, and education (e.g. transportation to school,
strain with those in low-income households At the same time, many families will struggle to school supplies and books). Households believe that they need to
three times more likely to suffer mental health put food on the table and risk skipping meals. make significant cutbacks. Half will save money from utilities and food,
problems than their more affluent peers. Access Lack of sufficient nutrition during critical periods posing a risk to the children’s well-being.
to education and leisure activities, crucial for in early life can cause irreversible changes to
children’s personal development, is restricted by a child’s development and increase the risk of
rising costs. chronic disease in later life. Household food
insecurity during infancy and early childhood
Because the poverty that comes from reduced is also linked to increased risk of obesity, poor
family incomes, job losses, and rising inequality69 dental health, stunted growth, and other issues72.
hits marginalised and vulnerable groups most
26 27Children’s mental health
problems are getting
worse
The Children’s voice 202286 report focuses
on Finland, but its findings likely reflect the
situation across many countries. Children’s
FINLAND answers to the survey reveal high levels of
stress, anxiety, and fear for the future. Having
“I feel anxious about everything, and struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic and its
most of all about not being able to be consequences, inflation and the cost-of-living
the person I want to be81.” crisis are increasing the challenges for children,
especially for those in low-income families. Many
families have had to cut down on costs including
children’s leisure activities. In some rural areas,
Even before the pandemic, cases of poor mental high transport costs are limiting children’s access
health in children and young people were at to different activities. Giving up hobbies and
unprecedented levels, with services struggling social activities will damage children’s mental
to keep up. This leaves a rising number of health and well-being, making them feel even
vulnerable children and young people unable to more lonely and isolated.
access support in many EU countries.
Poverty is a major contributor to mental ill
health82. Children in low-income households are FINLAND
three times more likely to suffer mental health
problems than their more affluent peers83. With “I sometimes feel like disappearing or
more children and young people pushed into giving up because it seems like it would
poverty because of the cost-of-living crisis, an help others manage better 87.”
increasing number of them are set to see their
mental health worsen.
Photo: Lolo Vasco / Save the Children
Save the Children’s 2021 child poverty report Today’s increased financial pressure caused
shows the serious impact that the COVID-19 by the cost-of-living crisis is exacerbating an
crisis had on children’s mental health.84 Physical already critical situation. Economic strain
school closures and the widespread lockdown and job insecurity among parents is expected
weighed on the mental health and well-being to worsen children’s well-being. Moreover,
of children and adolescents. The demand for decreased purchasing power makes access
essential mental health support services for to mental health services even more difficult,
children, adolescents, and families far exceeds given that public coverage remains limited and
the supply. psychological support is largely supplied within
the private sector. Children’s situation will
continue to deteriorate if urgent action is not
taken; governments need to relieve the financial
pressures of vulnerable households and ensure
FINLAND
high-quality, affordable, and accessible access to
“They [my parents] pay for everything mental health services, resources, and support.
in my life, for my food and home. It feels
like I’m a big burden to them85.”
28 29Governments’ response to The measures introduced by European countries
are welcome. However, they risk being mainly
the cost-of-living crisis focused on the immediate future and leave
families without structural support to tackle
TEMPORARY
ADDITIONAL HOUSING BENEFITS Governments across Europe are responding to
the long-term consequences of this crisis.
CHILD BENEFITS CAP ON RENT the cost-of-living crisis. Responses are necessary
Short-term measures and one-off payments
are temporary relief but not the solution.
INCREASES and welcome, but many are targeted at short-
Governments need to do more to protect
term alleviation. The big challenge is how to
children and their families from the devastating
offer meaningful and sustainable support and
impacts of this crisis. It is necessary to invest in
relief to poor and vulnerable households. The
sustained forms of social protection that support
graph on the left provides a snapshot of relevant
EXTRA PAYMENTS children and vulnerable families in the long-term.
government interventions, showing that energy
IN SOCIAL bonuses, subsidies, lower energy consumption
SUPPORT SYSTEMS This period of intense global crisis should serve
taxes and other measures have been put in
as a wake-up-call to kickstart ambitious political
place in several countries (Germany, Italy,
commitment and activity. Otherwise, we risk
Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark, Romania,
robbing an entire generation of children of
Finland, Lithuania). Other key measures
their chance to reach their full potential and the
concern temporary protections or ceilings on
possibility to create a fairer, safer, and kinder
household energy costs (Sweden, Germany,
ENERGY ALLOW- The Netherlands), targeted measures to tackle
world89.
ANCES / SUBSIDIES
FOOD VOUCHERS rising transport costs (Spain, Germany), and new
or increased social benefits payments (Finland,
Spain, Lithuania) 88.
ENERGY PRICE
CEILINGS
REGULATED PRICE
CEILINGS
BLANKET
COMPENSATIONS TAX REBATES
ON THE PRICE
OF FUEL
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
DISCOUNTS
Photo: La Pinza.Creaciones Fotograficas / Save the Children
30 31You can also read
