FAMILIES IN POVERTY AND CHRONIC NEGLECT OF CHILDREN

There is a strong association between the poverty level of families and the neglect of children, including chronic neglect. The author reports on six projects designed to reduce the level and extent of chronic neglect of children in their geographic areas. Within the population of families in poverty who are reported for neglect, certain stances and strategies, including family empowerment, the use of groups to develop social support networks, and the assistance of volunteers or paraprofessionals as home visitors or parent aides, appear to be beneficial.