2024/05/09 by Teemu Rantanen, Tarja Juvonen, Kari K. Eklund +1 · 1 voice
Health Professions · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Child Abuse and Trauma #Child Welfare and Adoption #Homelessness and Social Issues
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/13691457.2024.2344014
openalex publication_date 2024/05/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Previous studies show that household economic insecurity is associated with poor child health and an increased risk of child maltreatment. Therefore, it can be assumed that family financial support can also prevent the need for child protection services. This study asks: What is the association of families’ poverty and granted additional income support with the need for child protection services, and through which pathways does this effect arise? The research is mixed method, and based on Finnish municipality-specific statistical data in 2019 (Sotkanet Indicator Bank, 294 municipalities) and interviews with Finnish social workers (N = 23). Linear regression analysis and qualitative methods were employed. The study shows that poverty has a positive association with the need for child protection services, but on the other hand, additional income support buffers this effect. The research has also revealed pathways through which additional income support prevents the need for child protection services. Through the interviews, pathways of immediate material help, alleviating economic stress and supporting parenting, as well as strengthening social inclusion were identified. Furthermore, the importance of social work and its cooperation practices emerged in the study.