Vulnerable children from the most deprived communities have become “silent victims” of the recession, often having to go without healthy food, healthcare and clothing, a new report has found.
The yearly Children’s Social Health Monitor, released on Monday, examines the effects of the economic downturn on children.
Researchers say children with preventable illnesses are being left untreated and, at times, suffering permanent health damage because doctors’ fees are too high for many families. Low income and beneficiary families feeling the pinch were being forced to cut back on essentials such as heating, fruit and vegetables, and visits to the doctor.
There are stark differences in the levels of ill-health, abuse and neglect for different groups of children, according to the monitor, which shows children reliant on beneficiaries are missing out on the basics.
Source
- Stuff.co.nz
- Image: The Press