U.S. 'Tiny Tim' effect impacts millions

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- The "Tiny Tim" effect will result in the bleakest holiday for the 13 million U.S. children who live in poverty, officials of a foundation said.

Every Child Matters Education Foundation President Michael Petit, author of "Homeland Insecurity: Why New Investments in Children and Youth Must be a Priority for the Obama administration and the 111th Congress" said that the United States has the worst child poverty rate among 24 rich countries resulting in a situation for millions of children reminiscent of Charles Dickens' England in the 19th century.

"Over the last 45 years, U.S. policies produced spectacular drops in elderly poverty rates; now the elderly are the least poor. During the same period, child poverty remained constant," Petit said in a statement.

"One reason: Federal spending in 2007 was nearly seven times greater for persons age 65 and older than for those under age 18 -- $27,289 per person versus $4,000 per person, respectively."

Petit also said that the report found:

-- Eight million U.S. children are without health insurance. During a two-year period, nearly 27 million children will have no coverage for at least some period of time.

-- More than 3 million children are reported abused and neglected and about 1,500 U.S. children die each year as a result of abuse or neglect at home.

-- Nearly 2 million children have parents in prison.