The Cost of Caring: Childhood Disability and Poor Families.

Large number of children are affected with disability and chronic illness. As many as 30% of all children are estimated to have a chronic health condition. Children's disabilities impose substantial costs on both families and public services. Children in poor families are at heightened risk for disabilities and chronic health problems. Prevalence and costs of disabilities on poor children have not been given due importance in research on poverty and welfare. This article analyzes the prevalence of childhood disabilities and chronic illness among welfare recipient families in California and the probability families caring for these children experience higher out-of-pocket costs and material hardship than do other similar families. These families suffer great hardship as the disabled child requires personal attention and care. This limits job options for the family members and imposes added cost burden. This must be supported by the state as these families need continuing help to provide adequate care for their children.