Abstract:

Aim: The purpose of this article is to show the specificity of the "Family 500+" program in the context of the effects of reducing poverty in families. The main reason for introducing the program were the pro-natal aspects, but the second, equally important goal set for this program was the reduction of income poverty among families with children. Methodology: The data necessary to conduct the research came from: a critical review of the literature, data analysis - data on the extent of extreme poverty in Poland (especially among children), female unemployment rate, female labor force participation rate from the Central Statistical Office were considered. The following methods were also used: synthesis, inductive and deductive reasoning and interpretation. Results: Sustained improvement in poverty rates is noted after the program has been implemented. There are noticeable decreases in all age categories, and the largest among children - in the 0-17 age group. Changes in the labor market after the introduction of the program are also visible - some women resigned from work due to family responsibilities (although this phenomenon was noticeable even before 2016), while a larger number of women took up employment at that time. Conclusions: Despite its disadvantages, the "Family 500+" program also has advantages. It did not contribute to an increase in the fertility rate, however, it reduced poverty, especially among children, whose extreme poverty rate before the program was introduced was at a high level compared to other European Union countries.