The Correlation between Poverty and Neglect

(Part 2 of 2)

“Poverty is more than just a financial problem,” said D. Scott, Casework Supervisor of the Child Protective Services Team J for Monroe County Department of Human Services. “Where you live depends on the type of education you will get. A higher tax base district has access to more information, more resources, and more diverse experiences.”

 

In Rochester, that’s especially relevant since U.S. Census data from 2020* ranked it third in overall poverty among the nation’s 75 largest metropolitan areas. Poverty status is based on a predetermined income threshold. According to federal guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the 2022 poverty threshold for a family of four is $27,750

 

But in reality, poverty is not adequately measured only by income or consumption— it is a multidimensional societal condition that begs to be better understood.

 

*U.S. Census Bureau statistics are compiled based on a five-year average.  

Lack of Access

Families living in poverty suffer from a lack of access to basic needs and services that many of us take for granted:

 

• Lack of access to employment opportunities, due to historical subjugation or systemic racism, making it difficult to sustain a family.

 

• Lack of access to good nutrition and equality in the healthcare system, which often leads to malnourishment and overall poor health.

 

• Lack of access to information and resources, which is often linked to poor education and low-quality housing options in disadvantaged areas.

 

The impact of poverty on children is significant, leading to an increase in health concerns and difficulties at school.

 

Sources:
https://atdfourthworld-usa.org/
https://www.habitat.org/stories/what-is-poverty
https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/poverty-and-its-effects-on-children/

The Correlation to Neglect

A correlation between children living in poverty and higher rates of child maltreatment has been documented across the U.S., according to data from the Child Welfare Information Gateway (Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services), the National Bureau of Economic Research, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

The lack of access to information and resources for a family living in poverty often results in the higher likelihood of a CPS referral. While recognizing that poverty is a risk factor, it is not the same thing as neglect.

 

“Something’s going on,” said D., in reference to a report being made and transmitted to CPS. “We need to ask ourselves, what can we do, how can get that family to their better place?”

 

“CPS should be considered intervention, not punishment,” continued D. “What can we do as a community to make sure neglect doesn’t happen again? Or better yet, what can we do to help a family in need, before it reaches the level of neglect?”

 

The Rochester – Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) is a coalition of people in the community working to reduce poverty. RMAPI focuses on two critical areas in their work: workforce development and the accessibility and affordability of basic needs.

 

RMAPI is coordinating a Participatory Budgeting process that will allow members of the community to vote on how to spend $200,000 to fund resident-submitted projects that address poverty and build neighborhoods. Participatory Budgeting aims to strengthen neighborhoods while engaging residents in direct democracy, with a specific focus on reaching groups that have traditionally been marginalized.

 

Sources:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/factors/contribute/environmental/poverty/
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/data-research/ncands
https://www.nber.org/digest/jan00/poverty-and-mistreatment-children-go-hand-hand
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/133/3/454/32304/Income-Inequality-and-Child-Maltreatment-in-the?redirectedFrom=fulltext?autologincheck=redirected

Meeting Tangible Needs

“When confronted with a family living in poverty,” said D., “we need to check our biases at the door and determine if there is a risk or unsafe situation here.” She explains that while at work—for caseworkers or mandated reporters—there is the expectation that you will make every effort to engage families, as they are dependent on all of us for their success.

 

CPS caseworkers work with these families to come up with a plan. The family’s input is integral to their participation and success. Following are a couple of the organizations that CPS contracts with, to help families meet tangible needs.

 

Hope Initiatives is a non-profit enterprise that transforms lives through job skill training and employment for people who’ve been incarcerated or impacted by addiction or poverty. It operates two businesses to help meet basic needs of people in the community: Moving & Storage (for people who have undergone eviction or are between housing options) and Hope Woodworks (for families in urgent need of household furnishings).

 

Asbury Church Storehouse distributes secondhand clothing and durable home goods (kitchen items, linens, children’s books, games and toys, but not furniture) through a referral process to those struggling with basic living and home needs. The Storehouse accepts donations throughout the year.

 

It’s important to mitigate our biases and restrict our own beliefs about a family living in poverty,” said D. “It’s all about engagement, and making sure that everyone is on equal footing.”

 

Resources:

 

Indicators of Possible Child Abuse and Neglect:
https://www.dorightbykids.org/how-do-i-recognize-child-abuse-and-neglect/what-are-the-indicators-of-possible-child-abuse-and-neglect/

The Rochester – Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI)
https://endingpovertynow.org/

 

Hope initiatives
https://www.makinghopepossible.com/

 

Asbury Church Storehouse
https://asburyfirst.org/outreach-center/

 

How you can help a family in need:
Put in zip code to search and connect to support for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help:
https://www.findhelp.org/