This resource focuses on families living in poverty who have young children between the ages of 0 and 6. These families and children face many challenges as a result of living in poverty and often turn to service providers for support in the navigation of these challenges and needed services.

In order to be effective in their work, it is important for service providers to: have a broad understanding of the issues facing families living in poverty; develop an ability to see the intersections between these challenges; and reflect on what this means for their practice. To provide relevant and effective supports to families with young children living in poverty, service providers need to review examples of effective practices on an ongoing basis.

Working with families living in poverty is not easy. The needs are often complex and, at times, certain necessary services maybe unavailable. This can be difficult for service providers who want to make a difference in the lives of families. Service providers can have a profound positive impact on children’s healthy development, as well as improving family well-being. To be effective in their roles, it is important that service providers care for themselves, as well as consider creative solutions to the pressing problems of families living in poverty.