The Social Determinants of Health
When we say a family is in crisis, we usually mean they’re struggling with one or more social determinants of health. In these cases, children become much more likely to be removed from their homes. The state considers their needs unmet. So what are the social determinants of health, and how does For Others use them to end the child welfare crisis in America? We share all those details plus how you can get involved today!
What are the Social Determinants of Health?
Social determinants of health (SDH or SDOH) are areas of well-being that affect a family’s stability. Each determinant describes part of a family’s stability, overall health, surrounding environment, and societal role. When healthy, the SDH work together to help families thrive. However, because they’re so interdependent, a crisis in one category can rapidly expand to all of them.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recognizes five domains, or categories, of social determinants. However, the categories are broad and don’t necessarily paint an accurate picture of a real family in crisis. Our friends at Restore Hope in Arkansas narrowed it down even further after noticing trends in the counties they serve. After compiling and analyzing data from the families in their programs, they identified 13 consistent areas in which families faced critical issues.
The Thirteen Determinants
Following our partner Restore Hope and their detailed research, we focus on 13 determinants within the CDC’s five broad domains. Of course, as we learn and reach new and diverse communities, we can adapt our focus to better serve kids and families in need.
Here are the 13 social determinants of health where we put our focus:
- Economic Stability – Income covers all monthly costs with the ability to save.
- Housing – Stable and safe living space.
- Employment – Stable part- or full-time employment.
- Food – Easy access to fresh food and groceries.
- Mental Health – Accessible mental health care.
- Childcare – Affordable childcare for working parents/caregivers.
- Dental Health – A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth.
- Transportation – A consistent, reliable means of transportation to and from work, school, appointments, and more.
- Recovery – Alcohol and substance addiction treatment and recovery.
- Safety – No danger in the surrounding environment.
- Physical Health – Accessible and affordable healthcare.
- Legal – Quality, affordable legal representation or assistance with infractions like speeding tickets.
- Education – The level of education completed: no high school diploma/GED, high school diploma/GED, some college, Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or Master’s Degree and up
It only takes a quick glance at this list to see how many social determinants overlap. When one area’s needs aren’t being met, it creates a domino effect in multiple others. It can happen to anyone, and many families find themselves in crisis before they know it. As the situation grows more complex, it becomes unreasonable to ask a single caseworker or nonprofit to resolve such a multi-faceted problem.
Social Determinants and For Others
We use the social determinants of health to help us determine how to approach the child welfare crisis. In fact, our Well-Being Support Ecosystem is based on this concept. In an ecosystem, multiple living things interact to support the whole environment. Similarly, the social determinants of health interact with each other to create the best environment for a family to thrive.
This is especially helpful in preventing child removal and reunifying birth families, who work diligently to create a stable home for their kids. For Others and our partners wrap around such families, each of us bringing our specialties. By joining forces, we unite our resources and work in tandem to help families go from crisis to stability to thriving.
Would you like to support this work? Donate today to help us provide holistic, local support to families in crisis. Let’s end the child welfare crisis in our lifetime!
