What is a common consequence of poverty for families involved in child welfare?

Reduced access to necessary child care resources is a well-documented consequence of poverty for families involved in child welfare. When families face economic hardships, they often struggle to afford or access quality child care services. This lack of access can lead to several challenges, including difficulty in maintaining employment, increased family stress, and potential neglect of the child's needs, all of which can put a family at greater risk of coming into contact with the child welfare system.

In contrast, increased social support from the community may not be prevalent in impoverished areas where mistrust or lack of resources exists. Greater availability of employment opportunities is typically not a characteristic of impoverished situations; rather, those in such circumstances often face barriers to employment. Additionally, poverty tends to contribute to more stress in family dynamics, rather than less, as financial worries can exacerbate conflict and tensions within the home. Understanding the specific challenges related to child care access helps clarify the broader issues faced by families living in poverty.