Child poverty in Toronto

1. GTA is Child Poverty Capital of Ontario
How poverty impacts children’s development?
Children who grow up in poverty show almost three and one-half times the number of conduct
disorders, almost twice the chronic illnesses and over twice the rate of school problems, hyperactivity
and emotional disorders as children who are not poor.
Physical Outcomes:mortality, morbidity, accidents, abuse, and illness.
Psychosocial Outcomes:behavioural problems including impulsiveness, aggression, difficulty getting
along with peers, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder; emotional problems
including anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and low self-esteem.
Cognitive Outcomes and School Readiness:concentration and memory problems; poor participation,
irregular attendance, and high rates of school dropout due to poor health.