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Federal or state-level initiatives aimed at assisting families facing financial hardships could significantly decrease the incidence of child abuse and neglect, based on recent research from the University of Georgia.

The research indicates that the eviction moratoriums enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic notably contributed to a reduction in reported cases of child maltreatment.

“Nearly every parent cares for their child. No one wishes to or means to harm or neglect their child,” stated Liwei Zhang, the principal investigator of the study and an assistant professor within the UGA School of Social Work.

“Often, these circumstances arise merely from the stresses of living in poverty. As poverty is a significant risk factor, enhancing financial support for families could likely aid in preventing maltreatment.”

States that suspended evictions saw fewer abuse and neglect incidents

Investigators examined numerous counties across ten states that enacted state-wide suspensions of evictions during the pandemic.

Concurrently, they contrasted these with seven states, including Georgia, that did not impose such a pause.

By analyzing Child Protective Services data and biweekly reports from those agencies, the researchers identified a decline in rates of child abuse or neglect in states with eviction restrictions.

Reports of physical abuse decreased by 16%, sexual abuse declined by 21%, and neglect fell by 12%.

Stable housing may have favorably affected parental treatment

Many families in the study were of low income. The security of not facing eviction due to missed rent payments likely made a significant difference in the rates of child maltreatment, according to the researchers.

“Parents might struggle to provide adequate food or shelter for their children, putting them in a precarious situation. Mental health challenges or substance abuse could also play a role, so parents should feel empowered to seek assistance without shame,” Zhang remarked.

While the eviction moratorium was a substantial relief for these families, it also had a disproportionate impact on small, independent landlords and their financial stability.

“The families unable to pay their rent had their payments delayed, but the smaller landlords faced financial difficulties as well,” Zhang noted. “Although the findings indicate that the eviction moratorium was effective in decreasing child maltreatment, we should develop sustainable solutions that support both parties during future crises.”

Future policies should be prioritized in emergencies

The study highlights the link between reduced economic distress and enhanced child welfare, stressing the value of federal and state aid programs during emergencies, Zhang explained.

“We witnessed numerous policy adjustments during that period. Now is the time for us to extract lessons learned rather than proceeding without reflection. We must continually learn from history to improve our services,” she expressed.

Co-authors of this research include Yi Wang and Lawrence Berger. The study was financed by the National Institutes of Health, the Russell Sage Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The article Financial assistance could mitigate child maltreatment first appeared on UGA Today.

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