Poverty is the root cause
- financial and debt problems
- inadequate housing
- unemployment
- marital problems
- low education level
- parenting is too difficult for single parents
- health problems including addiction
- lack of family and community support
- unable to obtain citizenship for their child
- unable to care for children with disabilities
- transportation issues
- lack of educational opportunities for children
- stigma from children born out of wedlock
- runaways from abuse and violence at home