Ensuring good living conditions for children in low-income families

Best practice, evaluation and research 

In September 2024, a new steering group was established for the Nordic cooperation project focused on children growing up in persistently low-income families in the Nordic region. This group comprises key actors and national experts from across the Nordic countries. Their mission is to exchange knowledge on effective practices to ensure that all children and young people in the Nordic region have a favorable upbringing and good living conditions.

We aim to collect and disseminate new knowledge on how the Nordic countries apply measures that aim to give the children the opportunity to develop their abilities and skills regardless of parent’s social and economic situation, says Merethe Løberg, senior adviser at Nordic Welfare Centre and in lead of the project. 

Understanding the living conditions of children in the Nordic countries

The steering group members noted many similarities in their countries’ situations but highlighted different approaches to addressing challenges. All countries use both universal and targeted measures to prevent poverty and mitigate its effects on children. Some focus on parental employment, advocating a work-first principle, while others prioritize children’s needs, such as education, free school meals, and leisure cards. Iceland has recently launched a new initiative to provide free school meals. Starting January 1, 2025, all elementary school students will receive free meals, thanks to a new law. 

Sharing examples of best practices are necessary steps towards increased knowledge, but for the bigger leaps forward more evaluations and research on effective methods are called for. A network of Nordic researchers is invited to contribute to the project. Nordregio will develop maps and analyse indicators on child poverty and social exclusion risk in the Nordic region. 

Relative poverty 

Even though the gap between the highest and lowest earners is widening in the Nordic countries, the likelihood of experiencing absolute poverty is minimal or non-existent for families in the region. The welfare systems ensure a minimum standard of living.

However, there is still a risk of families experiencing relative poverty, and some groups are more vulnerable than others.

For a comprehensive comparison of the Nordic welfare systems, based on expert knowledge and statistical data, please visit the Nomesco-Nososco website.

Immigrants and other vulnerable groups 

Single parents, people with disabilities, and immigrants are disproportionately represented among those living with persistently low incomes in the Nordic countries. This economic hardship significantly impacts their children, making them even more vulnerable. These children face greater challenges and risks, including limited access to resources, social exclusion, and reduced opportunities for development and well-being. Addressing the needs of these families is crucial to ensuring that all children in the Nordic region have the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.

We have great potential to learn from each other in our efforts to secure children’s rights and opportunities in the Nordic region. To prevent marginalisation and exclusion we must ensure that all children are able to participate in society regardless of their background, says Kaisa Kepsu, senior adviser on Integration Norden at the Nordic Welfare Centre and part of the project lead.

Upcoming activities 

The members of the steering group are now submitting their recommendations for measures and policies currently in use in their respective country. The steering group will also identify researchers to invite to participate in the Nordic research network. The research network will conduct an evaluation to determine which measures are the most promising in preventing intergenerational transmission of poverty and social exclusion.  

The Nordic council of ministers aim for the Nordic being the best place to grow up. Therefore, the objective is to collate the knowledge that the Nordic countries have about the conditions of children in families that have been living in relative poverty for a long time, with a view to developing better policies to improve their opportunities, Merethe Løberg concludes.