In economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, there is a growing anxiety surrounding a visit from a Child Protective Services caseworker. The term ‘child welfare system’ is more accurately described as a mechanism for regulating or policing families.
One of the unknowing myths, is that families only get on the radar of this system and are intervened on by the system if they are severely abusing their children. And the reality is that the vast majority of families in, in fact virtually all the families, there’s some exceptions, but virtually all the families that are entangled in this punitive system are impoverished or low income. It’s very rare for a wealthy white family, no matter what’s going on in their home, no matter what their doctors know, or teachers know about harms to the children, will be reported.
This system has consistently aimed at impoverished and low-income families, often labeling them as neglectful, which is equated with poverty. Many parents struggle to meet their children’s basic needs due to systemic barriers that limit their access to necessary resources. Consequently, they face punishment for their financial hardships. This reality is often misunderstood, as the narrative of rescuing children from terrible families is misleading.