Housing instability as a distinct risk factor in child protective services investigations: insights from a longitudinal study

Housing instability—including homelessness, doubling up, and eviction—is a prevalent issue affecting millions of families in the United States, with well-documented deleterious consequences. Families facing housing instability are at increased risk of child protective services (CPS) involvement, including a higher likelihood of child placement in foster care and reduced chances of reunification. Despite this, significant gaps remain in understanding the relationship between housing instability and CPS involvement. These gaps include: (1) narrow definitions of both housing instability and CPS involvement; (2) a lack of longitudinal analyses; and (3) limited insight into the compounding effects of material hardship alongside housing instability on CPS outcomes. To address these gaps, this study utilized four waves of data from the Illinois Families Study, focusing on low-income families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). A transitional model was employed to examine the association between housing instability and CPS investigations, while also assessing whether material hardship moderated this relationship. Families experiencing housing instability were significantly more likely to undergo CPS investigations. This association persisted even after accounting for material hardship, highlighting the distinct association between housing instability and CPS investigations. These results underscore the need for integrated policies and practices that provide prevention efforts for families experiencing housing instability prior to CPS involvement. This study contributes to the growing body of research on the intersection of housing instability and CPS, advocating for comprehensive, cross-sector strategies to improve prevention efforts.