National Coalition for Child Protection Reform

The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform (NCCPR) is an organization that promotes family preservation and child welfare reform. In the following viewpoint, the NCCPR argues that policies designed to protect child safety by restricting family preservation efforts actually harm children. It claims that many children are removed from their homes for “neglect” when in fact their parents are simply poor. Therefore, the NCCPR asserts that programs that support family preservation and counter the effects of economic hardship are better suited to serve the needs of disadvantaged children.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the NCCPR’s opinion, how does the definition of “neglect” harm an impoverished family?
2. How does the NCCPR support their claim that family preservation programs work?
3. According to the author, how is...