Category: featured

This study explores how parents in rural communities experience support from their neighbors and informal social networks. Based on interviews with 26 parents in rural Michigan, findings reveal mixed experiences: while some parents benefited from meaningful community connections that provided childcare assistance, safety support, advice, and resources, others experienced isolation and limited connections with nearby neighbors. Many relied on support networks beyond their immediate neighborhoods. Findings highlight the importance of understanding how rural community contexts shape parenting support and suggest that measures developed through urban neighborhood research may not adequately capture rural experiences. […]

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This study examines how state-level childcare subsidy policies may influence child maltreatment among low-income families. Using 11 years of U.S. administrative data, researchers explored the relationship between employment requirements and subsidy copayments and rates of child neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse substantiations. Findings indicate that requiring 30 hours of employment to qualify for childcare subsidies was associated with higher rates of neglect substantiations, while less restrictive work requirements and copayment amounts showed no significant relationship with maltreatment. Results highlight the importance of considering how public assistance and childcare policies affect economically vulnerable families and may contribute to child maltreatment prevention efforts. […]

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This study examined how state childcare subsidy income-eligibility policies relate to child maltreatment rates. Findings showed that more generous income eligibility policies were associated with lower rates of child abuse and neglect investigations, highlighting the potential for childcare assistance policies to support child and family well-being. […]

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