In many ways, the criteria for neglect closely mirror conditions of poverty: dangerous gas stoves, high windows without screens, rodent or insect infestations, and the inability of caregivers to provide adequate clothing, food, or supervision for their children. Yet the most concerning criteria for child neglect is homelessness.
Situationally, homelessness can be considered grounds for removing a child from their parent's custody when the following are in place:
“unstable living conditions: change of residence due to eviction or lack of planning at least three times in a six month period or homelessness due to the lack of available affordable housing or the caregivers inability to manage finances." (Citation)
Considering the high number of homeless families in the United States, and how homelessness disproportionately affects people of color, a compelling argument can be made for the fact that racism is inherent in the foster care system. Additionally, thousands of families who have lost their homes in the economic downturn of 2009-2011 are now at risk for losing their children under this definition of neglect.
One person's judgement can make the difference between a shattered home and an intact one. Often, CPS case workers have little developmental training or awareness of family systems. Perhaps more rigorous standards for training and evaluation should be put into place, ensuring that poor families are not unjustly targeted and split apart due to their economic circumstances.
I appreciate your concern for cultural implications in the criteria or definitions agencies such as CPS rely on for what can be high-stakes decisions. To be fair, however, and as several CPS case workers will tell you, they operate under a mandate that their main concern is to keep the families together. Second, thresholds for what counts or doesn't count as abuse or neglect fluctuate with the times. When society becomes more liberal, the threshold tends to be more strict. The reverse is true in more conservative times. Finally, it also boils down to resources. CPS case workers have horrendously large loads and seldom can they do what is ethical or morally right, let alone required by policies. This by no means is meant as an excuse. It is yet another case of gaps between the language and the implementation of policy.
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