"Most parents know the feeling-that quick flash of panic when a child falls, bumps a table, or wakes up with a bruise you don't remember seeing the day before. For many families, it's a passing worry. But for families living with financial strain, those same everyday moments can carry a heavier weight. A simple accident can raise questions, draw concern, or, in rare but serious cases, trigger a child-welfare investigation."
"Research shows that 85% of families investigated for neglect have incomes below 200% of the poverty line, and referrals are disproportionately concentrated among families who are unemployed, receive public assistance, or live in high-poverty neighborhoods. To explore why this happens-and why it disproportionately affects families facing poverty-I spoke with Dr. Niran Al-Agba, a pediatrician with over two decades of experience."
Child-welfare investigations can inflict lasting stress and trauma on parents and children, especially among families experiencing poverty. Eighty-five percent of families investigated for neglect have incomes below 200% of the poverty line, with referrals concentrated among unemployed households, public-assistance recipients, and residents of high-poverty neighborhoods. Reviews of suspected child-abuse cases across many states show many allegations arise from misinterpreted childhood injuries or medical conditions rather than intentional harm. Financial scarcity and cognitive load can shape how professionals interpret injuries and family behavior. Family-preserving supports, trauma-informed care, and multidisciplinary consultation help protect children and relationships while clarifying findings and reducing bias.
Read at Psychology Today
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