It is a multitude of different factors that increase the extent of poverty. Some adverse variables that impact child poverty are drug use and dependence, mental illness, chronic health conditions, disabilities, and abuse. Adults suffering from addiction spend a large amount of money to support the addiction and are unable to use that money to care for their children. Drug use not only affects that family, but also the community. “Each year, drug abuse and addiction cost taxpayers nearly $534 billion in preventable healthcare, law enforcement, crime, and other costs” (Illinois Status of Children, 2014). That money could be better spent on education systems for both children and their caregivers, in order to help them get out