The Effects of Eviction Moratoria and Renter-supportive Measures on the Prevention of Child Maltreatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Natural Experiment with Nationwide Data Linkages

Eviction and housing insecurity increase a child’s risk of experiencing neglect and abuse. Studies on existing housing and renter-supportive programs have shown that secure housing can reduce child maltreatment. Social worker Liwei Zhang will conduct a natural experiment on the effects of state-level eviction moratoria and other supportive programs on child maltreatment reports during the COVID-19 pandemic. She will analyze data from several nationwide data sources including the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System and the COVID-19 Eviction Moratoria and Housing Policy Database for her study.