The price of gas and child welfare

What does the price of gas have to do with child welfare? More than we might think.

A study by McLaughlin (2017) found that for every $1 increase in the price of gas in a state with 100,000 children, there are an estimated 642 additional child maltreatment referrals. It is a sobering statistic, and one that has stayed with me over the years. It feels especially relevant right now.

Just this past week, Bergen CASA received referrals for five new children from three families who have entered foster care. While every family’s story is different, research consistently shows that when families face rising economic pressure, the stress can make it harder to meet the daily demands of parenting.

Other studies reinforce this connection. A Chapin Hall report, Economic and Concrete Supports as a Core Component of Child and Family Well-Being (2022), found that the strongest predictors of investigated neglect reports include utility shutoffs, difficulty paying rent, reliance on food pantries, cutting meals, and frequent housing moves.

As the cost of living rises, many families are feeling these pressures more acutely.

At Bergen CASA, we are determined to meet the need of our families by making sure every child has someone firmly in their corner.

We are currently training our largest volunteer class since the pandemic — 12 new Advocates preparing to stand beside children navigating foster care. At the same time, we are fundraising with renewed vigor to ensure we can continue supporting the 128 children already served by Bergen CASA this fiscal year, along with those newly referred.

Our Casino Night fundraiser on May 6 is fast approaching. If you have an item to donate for our prize baskets, would like to attend this fun community event, or are interested in joining our Casino Committee, I would love to hear from you.

With your support, every child we serve can have an Advocate — someone to ensure their voice is heard, their needs are met, and that they still have opportunities to play sports, learn music, build friendships, and create joyful memories.

If you would like to help give a child that chance, please reach out!