A thematic study using transnational comparisons to analyse and identify what combination of policy responses are most success

The work carried out under the present contract focused on four areas: 1. Documentation of the state of the art concerning child poverty and social exclusion 2. Networking 3. Fact finding missions 4. Analysis of policies to combat child poverty and identification of successful policy packages 1. Documentation of the state of the art concerning child poverty and social exclusion The documentation of the state of the art concerning child poverty and social exclusion in EU member states and the USA forms the theoretical basis of this study. It comprises three chapters. Chapter 2 gives an overview of the different ways of con-ceptualising child poverty and social exclusion. The measurement of child poverty and social exclusion as well as the development of common indicators is still in the beginnings though. The discussion of measurement problems and the compilation of indicators for child poverty and well-being shall lay a foundation for this debate. The third chapter compiles statistical data on the extent and dynamics of child poverty. Though the Laeken agreement on key indicators has brought some improvements , there is still a lack of transnationally comparable data. However, the data that is available is documented. It shows that in most EU member states (except for Greece and Denmark) families and with it children are at the greatest falling into poverty. The last section of the chapter outlines the risk factors for poverty and social exclusion as they concern children and young people. Poverty and social exclusion have a negative effect on the development of girls and boys. The fourth chapter reports therefore what is known about the negative outcomes associated with poverty and the pathways through which poverty and social exclusion effect children and young people. But not all girls and boys show negative outcomes. Some do remarkably well in spite of adverse living conditions. Against this background the last section looks into coping strategies of children and young people and factors that are protective. A crucial part of the study is the cooperation with researchers, NGOs and policy makers throughout Europe and the USA. On the one hand these experts provide information and statistical data that is not easily available otherwise. But on the other hand the exchange of information is not only valuable for this research but – in part – also helps to connect other experts and by this fosters the joint work on child poverty. ii …