Family Preservation and Poor Families: When “Homebuilding” is not Enough

Various studies suggest that family preservation intervention is less effective with maltreating families characterized by extreme poverty, single-parent status, low educational attainment, and mental health problems. Using a stress-and-coping model, the author explores the interactive effects of these factors in contributing to child maltreatment. Current research findings on the direct and indirect effects of poverty on parenting are cited. Ways of enhancing family preservation programs effectively to address the needs of poor, maltreating families are identified.