Government Agencies Can Help
There are many factors that affect a child’s health; one of which is the environment they grow up in. Government agencies are available to help children and their caregivers when they are placed in difficult situations or threatening environments. This section provides an overview of these potential environments and federal resources that families can use to protect their children.
Parenting styles can have a range of positive or negative effects on a child. In this chapter, readers will learn about the types of parenting styles, which style is the most effective, and how parenting can affect a child’s mental health and behavior.
Exposure to domestic violence focuses on how witnessing violence within the home can impact a child. This chapter discusses the prevalence of domestic violence, as well as the short and long-term challenges children can face as a result. It also includes ways to help children who are exposed to violence, in addition to government resources.
Parental incarceration removes one or both parents from a child’s life, which can put a strain on familial relationships and put the child at risk for many negative health outcomes. This chapter describes the effect of parental incarceration on physical health, mental health, and education. Intergenerational incarceration is also discussed.
Foster care is utilized when a child’s home is unsafe and their caregiver cannot properly support them. While foster care was created by the government to aid families, it can affect a child in adverse ways. In this chapter, readers can learn about the financial stress of foster care, the foster care to prison pipeline, and how foster care impacts a child’s mental health.
Teenage pregnancy is described as a pregnancy that occurs in women under the age of 20. This unique chapter examines the adverse health outcomes that affect both the young mother, as well as the child being born. Potential resources to assist a pregnant teen are also provided.
Divorce, unfortunately, is extremely common in the United States. While it can be the best decision for a family, it is important for caregivers to understand the impact that it can have on their children. This chapter describes the physical and mental effects of divorce on a child, as well as effective parenting practices to use when co-parenting.
Socioeconomic status is a measurement that combines factors like parental education, marital status, employment, and income. This chapter describes how growing up in a low SES household can put a child at risk for negative mental and physical health outcomes, as well as lower educational achievements.
Food insecurity affects those with limited access to nutritionally adequate foods. This chapter explains the potential effects this can have on a child, including a risk for obesity and developmental disabilities. Many different federal and state programs to increase food security are described.
