Children with Unemployed Parents: Trends during the U.S. Recession

Nadwa Mossaad, Population Reference Bureau (PRB)
Mark S. Mather, Population Reference Bureau (PRB)
William O'Hare, Annie E. Casey Foundation

During the recent recession, the U.S. unemployment rate peaked at around 10 percent, putting millions of children at risk of poverty and other negative outcomes. In this paper, we use data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) monthly files for 2007, 2008 and 2009 to produce national and state-level estimates of the number and characteristics of children with unemployed parents. Results are presented separately for 1) children with at least one unemployment parent, 2) children with underemployed parents, and 3) children with all parents unemployed. We conclude with a brief discussion of policy implications and the potential long-term impact of the recession on children’s well-being.