The article addresses the problem of difficult living conditions of children and young people living in the area of urban poverty. The deliberations are based on the example of the town of Siemianowice Śląskie. After 1989, in this town there have been numerous social problems, which resulted from the systemic transformation and restructuration of heavy industry. What is particularly disturbing is the concentration of poverty on a spatially limited area and the emergence of areas of urban poverty. Their occurrence contributes to the threat to social safety.