Increasing the Economic Self-Sufficiency of Rural Families

ABSTRACT Rural poverty affects 2.5 million U.S. children annually. The implementation of Child/Parent Individual Development Account (IDA) policies and programs may reflect a “best practices” strategy for reducing the incidence and impact of rural poverty. IDAs are dedicated savings accounts designed to help low-income individuals save for home ownership, postsecondary education, and small business development purposes. A brief policy analysis and feasibility study indicates Child/Parent IDA programs are a feasible way to address long-term social, psychological, and economic development for rural adults and children. Social work's continued involvement in evaluating IDA policy is paramount for improving the well-being of rural families.