For example, if the fraction of children below 75 percent of the poverty line rises from 10 percent to 15 percent in a state, the number of total victims of maltreatment is estimated to rise by 22 percent. Family structure and parental employment status matter as well. An increase from 10 percent to 15 percent in the fraction of children with a working mother and absent father is predicted to increase substantiated cases of maltreatment by 21 percent. Likewise, an increase from 10 percent to 15 percent in the fraction of children with two unemployed parents is expected to increase maltreatment by 26 percent. Absent fathers, unemployed fathers, and increased poverty are all associated with increased maltreatment.
Poverty has a bigger impact on neglect than on physical abuse, though.
If single mothers work, child maltreatment is considerably more likely, possibly because single working mothers are more neglectful or abusive, or because their children are left in the care of someone who is neglectful or abusive. This raises the issue of the impact of welfare benefit cuts on child maltreatment. Where welfare benefits are relatively high, mothers may be more able to stay home and look after their children. The authors note that about half of families referred to child protective services are receiving welfare at the time of referral, and more than half received welfare in the past. They may be stressed by their job, have difficulty making ends meet, and have less energy available to care for children at the end of the day.