Defining the Standards

An inadequate family care situation, Carollee Howes of UCLA said, is “a place where we worry about our children being physically harmed, where we are concerned for our children’s basic health and safety.” Howes said neglect and abuse were often components of inadequate child care.

Adequate family care, Howes explained, is where children are basically safe, “but nothing’s happening to enhance their growth--to help them learn and develop.”

Good family or relative care settings “are places where children are really thriving,” Howes said. “They’re what every parent wants.”