Although much remains to be learned about poverty costs, they are clearly high. When both indirect and direct economic costs, as well as personal and social costs, are examined, the evidence shows that poverty is a serious drain on the Nation's economic, social, and personal resources. Also, because poverty is linked to higher health care costs, loss of worker productivity, higher crime rates, lost tax revenue, and the under use of many talented youth, its costs are experienced by all citizens. Poverty costs must also be measured in terms of the human misery associated with physical and mental illness, violence, and shattered dreams. The poverty costs borne by children -- crime victimization, illness, child abuse and neglect, lost educational opportunities, and impaired mental and physical development -- are very high. 49 references