About the Book
Who is the child whose life is followed throughout Invisible Child?
Dasani
What government program provides food assistance to low-income families?
SNAP
What term describes complicated rules and paperwork that make benefits difficult to access?
Administrative burden
What problem do families in the video experience when trying to receive assistance?
Long delays in processing benefits.
What role do social workers often play in helping families navigate assistance programs?
Advocacy and connecting families to resources.
What major social issues shape most of Dasani's childhood?
Homelessness
What cash assistance program is meant to support families in poverty but currently serves relatively few households?
TANF
How can caseworker turnover negatively affect families seeking assistance?
It disrupts communication and can lead to errors or lost information.
What serious risk can these delays create for families?
Eviction or housing instability.
What policy change could make SNAP easier for families to access?
Simplifying paperwork and eligibility verification.
Why are children like Dasani especially vulnerable within social systems?
Rely on adults/caregivers and public systems to meet their needs.
Why are public assistance benefits often not enough in large cities?
Benefits do not keep up with the cost of living.
Why might a homeless family miss required appointments with assistance programs?
Transportation issues, shelter rules, or unstable living situations.
How does the video reflect the same issues described in Invisible Child?
Families lose or wait for benefits because of system failures.
Why is housing stability important for family well-being?
Stable housing supports safety, health, and school success.
How does living in NYC increase challenges for Dasani's family?
High cost of living
What challenge do work requirements create for families experiencing homelessness?
Instability can make it difficult to meet strict program requirements.
Why do families sometimes lose benefits even when they still qualify?
System mistakes or administrative delays.
Who is most affected when public assistance systems break down?
Low-income families and children.
How could better coordination between housing and cash assistance programs help families?
It would reduce gaps in support and improve stability.
What does the book communicate about poverty in the US?
Poverty is often the result of systemic barriers and not due to personal decisions
Why is access to public assistance considered important for child well-being?
It helps families meet basic needs like food, housing, and stability.
What major criticism does Invisible Child make about public assistance systems?
They often create barriers instead of providing consistent support.
What does the video suggest about the progress of public assistance systems since the events in the book?
Many of the same problems still exist.
Why is housing policy often discussed as a form of child welfare prevention?
Stable housing reduces risks that lead to family crises.