Latest news with #ChapinHall
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Opinion - Children do best with their families
Recently, a chorus of voices in child welfare have tried to frame the growing national effort to reduce unnecessary family separation as a threat to child safety. But what they are selling isn't the truth — it's fear. And that fear fuels a system that too often harms the very children it claims to protect. Here's the real truth: Children do best with their families. The child welfare system has for far too long confused poverty with neglect, punishing families who are poor with separation rather than offering the supports that can keep families together safely. According to federal statistics, 75 percent of child maltreatment cases involve neglect, not abuse. And what's often labeled as 'neglect' is frequently a symptom of poverty: inadequate housing, food insecurity, lack of childcare or missed medical appointments. It's not a willful failure to care for a child but a lack of resources to do so. Still, more than one-third of all children in the U.S. experience a child protective services investigation by age 18; that number rises to more than 50 percent for Black children. These investigations are invasive, traumatic and often lead to unnecessary separations. Yet there is little evidence that these disruptions lead to better outcomes. In fact, research shows the opposite. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children placed in foster care are more likely to experience mental health issues, struggle in school, and encounter the criminal legal system than their peers who remained at home — even when those peers lived in similarly challenging conditions. The authors concluded that foster care placement can compound the harm children have already experienced, rather than alleviate it. Critics often invoke child fatalities to justify the current system's punitive approach, but the data tells a more hopeful — and instructive — story. Child fatalities from maltreatment have actually declined over the past year, while remaining fairly stable over the past five years. Experts point to key preventative factors behind this trend: expanded use of early intervention programs, better risk assessment tools and increased access to basic supports like housing, food and childcare. One study from Chapin Hall found that for every additional $1,000 per person living in poverty spent on public benefits, child maltreatment fatalities dropped by nearly 8 percent. Rather than evidence for more surveillance, these numbers show that when we invest in families, we save lives. The uncomfortable truth is that we've built a surveillance state around poor families, and we call it 'protection.' The mandated reporting system that is the center of child welfare policy is flawed and has led to overreporting of cases. Of the 4.4 million referrals from mandated reporters in 2019, 2 million were screened out, meaning they did not warrant an investigation. Too often, family supports and child safety are held up as a false dichotomy. We can both support families in a way that helps prevent the need for government intervention and provide the safety measures that protect children where harm is alleged. That includes offering such services as home visiting, child tax credits or housing assistance, because the research is clear: When families have access to basic supports, child maltreatment declines. Consider the data. In states that implemented the expanded Child Tax Credit in 2021, food insecurity and financial hardship dropped significantly. Second, a national study by Chapin Hall found that increases in access to such concrete supports as rent assistance and utility aid led to reduced involvement by Child Protective Services. Third, High-quality home visiting programs, like Nurse-Family Partnership and Healthy Families America, led to a decrease in substantiated reports in child maltreatment by as much as 48 percent. This isn't ideology — it's evidence. Let's be clear: There are cases of real, heartbreaking abuse. And yes, some children must be removed from parents for their safety. But these cases are not the norm. The overwhelming majority of families caught in the system are just struggling, not dangerous. And they deserve support, not separation. We also can't ignore how disproportionately Black families are reported, investigated and separated from their children. Studies show that even when controlling for income and type of allegation, Black children are more likely to be removed than white children. This isn't a coincidence — it's bias, baked into every level of decision-making. The real truth about child welfare in America is that it's not keeping all children safe. But it could. It's time we move from surveillance to support, from punishment to partnership. Because when we give families what they need, we protect children best. Dr. Melissa Merrick is president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. Dr. Jody Levison-Johnson is president and CEO of Social Current. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Children do best with their families
Recently, a chorus of voices in child welfare have tried to frame the growing national effort to reduce unnecessary family separation as a threat to child safety. But what they are selling isn't the truth — it's fear. And that fear fuels a system that too often harms the very children it claims to protect. Here's the real truth: Children do best with their families. The child welfare system has for far too long confused poverty with neglect, punishing families who are poor with separation rather than offering the supports that can keep families together safely. Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here According to federal statistics, 75 percent of child maltreatment cases involve neglect, not abuse. And what's often labeled as 'neglect' is frequently a symptom of poverty: inadequate housing, food insecurity, lack of childcare or missed medical appointments. It's not a willful failure to care for a child but a lack of resources to do so. Still, more than one-third of all children in the U.S. experience a child protective services investigation by age 18; that number rises to more than 50 percent for Black children. These investigations are invasive, traumatic and often lead to unnecessary separations. Yet there is little evidence that these disruptions lead to better outcomes. In fact, research shows the opposite. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children placed in foster care are more likely to experience mental health issues, struggle in school, and encounter the criminal legal system than their peers who remained at home — even when those peers lived in similarly challenging conditions. The authors concluded that foster care placement can compound the harm children have already experienced, rather than alleviate it. Critics often invoke child fatalities to justify the current system's punitive approach, but the data tells a more hopeful — and instructive — story. Child fatalities from maltreatment have actually declined over the past year, while remaining fairly stable over the past five years. Experts point to key preventative factors behind this trend: expanded use of early intervention programs, better risk assessment tools and increased access to basic supports like housing, food and childcare. One study from Chapin Hall found that for every additional $1,000 per person living in poverty spent on public benefits, child maltreatment fatalities dropped by nearly 8 percent. Rather than evidence for more surveillance, these numbers show that when we invest in families, we save lives. The uncomfortable truth is that we've built a surveillance state around poor families, and we call it 'protection.' The mandated reporting system that is the center of child welfare policy is flawed and has led to overreporting of cases. Of the 4.4 million referrals from mandated reporters in 2019, 2 million were screened out, meaning they did not warrant an investigation. Too often, family supports and child safety are held up as a false dichotomy. We can both support families in a way that helps prevent the need for government intervention and provide the safety measures that protect children where harm is alleged. That includes offering such services as home visiting, child tax credits or housing assistance, because the research is clear: When families have access to basic supports, child maltreatment declines. Consider the data. In states that implemented the expanded Child Tax Credit in 2021, food insecurity and financial hardship dropped significantly. Second, a national study by Chapin Hall found that increases in access to such concrete supports as rent assistance and utility aid led to reduced involvement by Child Protective Services. Third, High-quality home visiting programs, like Nurse-Family Partnership and Healthy Families America, led to a decrease in substantiated reports in child maltreatment by as much as 48 percent. This isn't ideology — it's evidence. Let's be clear: There are cases of real, heartbreaking abuse. And yes, some children must be removed from parents for their safety. But these cases are not the norm. The overwhelming majority of families caught in the system are just struggling, not dangerous. And they deserve support, not separation. We also can't ignore how disproportionately Black families are reported, investigated and separated from their children. Studies show that even when controlling for income and type of allegation, Black children are more likely to be removed than white children. This isn't a coincidence — it's bias, baked into every level of decision-making. The real truth about child welfare in America is that it's not keeping all children safe. But it could. It's time we move from surveillance to support, from punishment to partnership. Because when we give families what they need, we protect children best. Dr. Melissa Merrick is president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. Dr. Jody Levison-Johnson is president and CEO of Social Current.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Foundations For Success: Former Foster Youth Pioneering Pathways To Independence Through Innovative Support
Written by Jayme Catalano, Director of Communications, First Place for Youth A new study evaluating San Francisco's "Foundations for the Future" guaranteed income pilot program is revealing both significant challenges and promising opportunities for young adults transitioning from foster care. While many participants face housing insecurity and financial hurdles, this innovative approach providing $1,200 monthly payments represents a potential turning point in how we support youth building independent lives. The program's comprehensive evaluation offers valuable insights for creating more effective support systems that can empower former foster youth to achieve stability and success. Photo courtesy of First Place for Youth The March 2025 Chapin Hall study of San Francisco's "Foundations for the Future" guaranteed income pilot program paints a troubling picture of life after foster care. The program provides monthly payments of $1,200 to young people who recently aged out of extended foster care, yet the baseline data reveals persistent struggles: 70% of participants frequently worry about paying bills, 40% experienced homelessness in the past year, and 70% face food insecurity. These aren't just statistics; they represent real young people attempting to build independent lives without the family safety nets most take for granted. The study follows 150 young adults who aged out of San Francisco's extended foster care system after January 2022, capturing a comprehensive snapshot of their circumstances before receiving guaranteed income payments. "What strikes me is that most of these youth are eligible for CalFresh but not all are taking advantage of this resource," notes Matt Levy, Vice President of Evaluation and Learning at First Place for Youth, an organization providing housing and support services to former foster youth. "It also speaks to the need for effective financial literacy supports, given how many youth are struggling with bills and past debt." The finding that 40% of study participants experienced homelessness within the past year should alarm policymakers and child welfare advocates alike. This statistic becomes even more concerning when considering that 28% reported not having enough money to pay rent, and 22% reported staying in unsafe housing situations because they couldn't afford to move. Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus), California's housing program for former foster youth ages 18-25, provides up to 36 months of housing and supportive services. However, the study results suggest that either current program capacity is insufficient or barriers to access remain substantial. THP-Plus offers more than just housing—it provides a supportive environment where young adults can develop independent living skills while pursuing education and employment goals. When properly implemented, it creates the stability necessary for youth to focus on building careers and financial security rather than merely surviving. But with 40% of former foster youth experiencing homelessness despite this program's existence, significant gaps clearly remain in the system. This only underscores the importance of supplementing programs like THP-Plus with new Guaranteed Income pilots like this one that aim to fill those gaps. The financial circumstances revealed in the study are equally troubling. Only 18% of participants reported being able to afford a $400 emergency expense. While 75% had bank accounts, nearly half of those had zero dollars in them. About half reported having debt, and among those with debt, 70% were behind on payments. "This highlights a critical gap in how we prepare young people for independent living," explains Levy. 'Financial literacy isn't just about understanding bank accounts—it's about building the skills to budget, save, manage credit, and plan for the future. Many former foster youth have rarely had role models to support them here.' Financial literacy for foster youth isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Without family support networks to fall back on, even small financial setbacks can lead to catastrophic consequences including homelessness, food insecurity, and deteriorating mental health. The study found that 38% of participants didn't have enough money to pay a bill in full or on time in the past year, demonstrating how financial precarity permeates daily life for these young adults. Perhaps most concerning is the disconnect between need and resource utilization. While 70% of study participants were food insecure—and half reported not eating sometime during the past year because they couldn't afford food—only 27.3% were enrolled in CalFresh, California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This participation gap represents a significant missed opportunity. CalFresh can provide up to $250 monthly for groceries, which could substantially help to alleviate food insecurity among this population. The San Francisco guaranteed income pilot program represents an innovative approach to supporting former foster youth. Its $1,200 monthly payments may help address immediate financial needs, but the baseline data reveals that deeper, systemic interventions are also necessary. "These young people have already faced significant challenges in their lives," Levy reflects. 'Our systems should be designed to provide them with the support they need to thrive, not just survive.' As a society, we have both a moral obligation and practical interest in ensuring former foster youth have genuine opportunities for success. The economic and social costs of continued housing instability, financial insecurity, and food insecurity far outweigh the investments needed to provide effective support services. The Chapin Hall study should serve as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for addressing this invisible crisis before another generation of former foster youth falls through the cracks. Be sure to look for updates from Chapin Hall as they continue to evaluate the guaranteed income pilot program in San Francisco.
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Youth Homelessness Crisis: The Urgent Need For Upstream Interventions
Written by Thomas Lee, CEO, First Place for Youth The United States is facing a critical challenge that demands immediate attention: a surge in homelessness, particularly among youth and families. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development paints a stark picture of this growing crisis. On a single night in January 2024, over 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness, marking an alarming 18% increase from the previous year. Even more concerning is the 33% jump in the number of unhoused children, reaching 150,000 in the same period. As the CEO of First Place for Youth, an organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this crisis on one of our most vulnerable populations: older foster youth. A First Place for Youth program participant and his youth advocate meet in San Jose, CA. Photo by Robbie Sweeny Foster youth represent one of the most at-risk groups in our society when it comes to homelessness. A 2021 study by Chapin Hall revealed that by age 23, 25% of former foster youth will have experienced homelessness or resorted to couch surfing. Even more alarming, 59% will be living below the poverty line. These statistics underscore the critical importance of providing support during the transition to adulthood. The overall homelessness rate in the U.S. has reached 23 out of every 10,000 people. This number becomes even more significant when we consider the disproportionate impact on foster youth. At First Place for Youth, we've seen firsthand that targeted, upstream interventions can make a significant difference in preventing homelessness before it begins. Our flagship My First Place™ program provides a comprehensive approach to supporting foster youth ages 18-21, combining stable housing, education and employment support, and life skills training. In the fiscal year 2024, we served 1,496 youth across six California counties and through our affiliate partners in five other states. The results of our program speak volumes about the effectiveness of this approach: These outcomes demonstrate that with the right support, foster youth can overcome the odds and build successful, independent lives. The recent surge in family homelessness, which rose by nearly 40% from 2023 to 2024, further emphasizes the need for programs that support young adults in establishing stable households. Our focus on maintaining family size and promoting education and employment is crucial in breaking the intergenerational cycle of homelessness and poverty. By providing support to young adults as they transition into independence, we're not just helping individuals – we're potentially preventing future generations from experiencing homelessness. As we face this national crisis, it's clear that we need a multi-faceted approach to address homelessness. While immediate housing solutions are crucial, we must also invest in prevention strategies that target vulnerable populations like foster youth. Policymakers need to recognize the value of upstream interventions and allocate resources accordingly. This means not just funding emergency shelters and temporary housing, but also investing in programs that provide long-term support and skills development for at-risk youth. Community leaders can play a crucial role by fostering partnerships between organizations like First Place for Youth and local businesses, educational institutions, and other community resources. These partnerships can provide valuable opportunities for internships, mentorship, and skill development for foster youth. The private sector also has a significant part to play in addressing this crisis. Companies can contribute not just through financial support, but also by creating employment opportunities specifically targeted at foster youth and other at-risk populations. By providing stable employment and career development opportunities, businesses can help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. The homelessness crisis, particularly among youth, is a complex problem that requires a coordinated and comprehensive response. As a society, we need to shift our focus from reactive measures to proactive, preventative strategies. I call on policymakers, community leaders, and fellow citizens to support organizations that are doing the vital upstream work to prevent homelessness. By investing in our youth today, we can build a stronger, more stable society for tomorrow. The homelessness crisis is daunting, but it is not insurmountable. With targeted interventions, comprehensive support, and a commitment to our most vulnerable youth, we can turn the tide and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive in a stable, secure home. As we move forward, let's remember that every young person deserves a chance at a stable, successful future. By focusing on prevention and providing comprehensive support to our most vulnerable youth, we can make significant strides in addressing the homelessness crisis and building a more equitable society for all. Sources:
