April 22, 2022
10:30 am - 2:30 pm EST
Zoom link will be sent with confirmation

The majority of referrals received by child protective services (CPS) agencies include allegations of child neglect. Yet, statutory definitions of neglect encompass a broad range of circumstances, including children going without adequate food, shelter, or medical care. As such, there are growing concerns that CPS inadvertently (and even unfairly or harmfully) investigates and intervenes on the sole basis of poverty. Lost in current discourse is research evidence that might help delineate the distinction between poverty and neglectful parenting. These distinctions include the nature and manifestations of neglect that come to the attention of CPS, the consequences of neglect for children’s health and development, and how CPS can most effectively identify and respond to the needs of children and families presenting for neglect.  

This series of presentations is designed to bring together experts in child protection to present evidence on these topics, with a focus on essential information for CPS agencies, family courts, guardians ad litem and child advocates, and other professionals with responsibility for the health and safety of vulnerable children as well as policymakers contending with these issues.