Children removed for inadequate housing are less likely to be reunified than peers: analysis from AFCARS data

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined the prevalence of citing inadequate housing as a removal reason at the state level by utilizing data from the Adoption and Foster Care Reporting and Analysis System (AFCARS) and investigated the relationship between inadequate housing and reunification outcomes. The results revealed heterogeneity in citing inadequate housing as a reason for removal at the state level. Moreover, when children are from families struggling with both inadequate housing and substance abuse, the likelihood of reunification is significantly lower. Therefore, it is critical to submit consistent and standardized data to AFCARS and provide wrap-around resources for these vulnerable families.