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Financial shocks and system contact: exploring the role of child support disbursement instability in child welfare involvement

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  • Klopfenstein, Kristin
  • Wickerham, Erin L.
  • Monahan, Emma Kahle

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between instability in child support payments—specifically, substantial, negative child support shocks—and child welfare involvement. Drawing on linked administrative data from Colorado’s child support, child welfare systems 2013–2019, we analyze whether custodial parents who experience significant drops in child support disbursements are more likely to be referred to the child welfare system. We focus on three levels of child welfare involvement: hotline referrals, assessments, open cases. Using both monthly, quarterly measures of child support shocks, we conduct descriptive, longitudinal logistic regression analyses to assess associations between child support instability, system contact.

Suggested Citation

  • Klopfenstein, Kristin & Wickerham, Erin L. & Monahan, Emma Kahle, 2026. "Financial shocks and system contact: exploring the role of child support disbursement instability in child welfare involvement," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:188:y:2026:i:c:s0190740926004020
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.109149
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