Many people think of abuse when they think of foster care. While that is certainly a factor, abuse accounts for only 5% of initial entries into care as compared to 86% of children entering due to neglect. So, what exactly is neglect? There are many reasons a social worker may classify situations as neglect.

A Loving Home is Not Enough

It is surprising to some that children can be removed from loving parents. The sad truth is that neglect is very often the direct result of poverty, not from bad parents. If things such as heat, sufficient food, or running water are lacking, a child may be removed until they can be provided with basic necessities. 

Removals Due to Illness

What if the child or parent gets sick? Not every parent has access to a support network of family and friends. Where can these families turn for help? 

Illness presents a multi-pronged crisis because it can create a financial emergency through a loss of income or through medical expenses. A child may not be able to get the care they need due to the expense, or because the family is concerned about being scrutinized or investigated. 

In some cases, the child may be the one caring for an ill parent themselves. If a parent lacks the support system for childcare, yet still needs to get to work, they may feel their only option is to leave young children at home.

Families in Need

Families in poverty find themselves in, or constantly on the verge of a crisis. When you are constantly choosing which emergency needs the last of your resources, it is easy to find yourself crossing lines you wouldn’t normally cross. 

Neglect is not defined in the same way, from state to state or county to county. That variant term adds more complexities and speaks to the need for reform. Similar to The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018, which offers foster agencies and states to create more preventative and recovery programs. 

 In Conclusion 

We ask you to offer empathy and understanding to biological parents of children in foster care. They truly need support as they fight to create a safe environment for their children. 

Please consider joining us in our efforts to help children in foster care and their families. Learn how you get involved HERE.