Poorest families at greatest risk of breakdowns and declining mental health, research warns

11 December 2023 2 mins read Amrit Virdi Health Children's Services

Children from families at the lower end of the social ladder are at greater risk of family breakdowns and childhood mental illness following the Covid-19 pandemic, The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has warned.

The gap between poorer families and those with less struggles is increasing. Picture: Luxor Photo/ Jim Varney

More children suffering from poor mental health, educational failures and family issues are three contributing factors to the UK "sliding back" to Victorian era poverty, with those poorest in society not feeling the benefits of positive overall trends, including a decline in unemployment and improved literacy rates among young people, according to the report.

It notes that poorer families are more likely to experience family breakdown, with impacts on children including disrupted attachment, developmental delays and increased likelihood of mental health issues. Over the past eight years, more than one in seven children have been classed as a child in need by their local authority at least once.

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