Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families (Issue Brief)
October 14, 2013Over 1.4 million youth ages 15–24 are out-of-school and out-of-work (OSOW) and raising dependent children. When youth are out of the education system, lack early work experience, and cannot find employment, the likelihood is poor that they will have the means to support themselves and the needs of their children. Too often, this traps their family in the cycle of poverty for generations. Unless communities offer alternative pathways to connect with ladders of opportunity, many of these young families will be unable to achieve financial independence. To meet the needs of young families, many human service organizations have begun utilizing two-generation approaches for working with OSOW youth and their families. These programs use strategies that address the developmental needs of young parents and their children.