Child Welfare Licence (CWEL) Practice Exam

The selection of increased risk of neglect as a possible outcome of maternal substance abuse in the context of child welfare is grounded in the understanding of how substance abuse can affect parenting capabilities. When a mother struggles with substance abuse, she may prioritize her substance use over her child's needs, leading to a range of negative consequences for the child's well-being.

Maternal substance abuse can impair a mother's ability to provide adequate supervision, meet basic needs like food and hygiene, and create a safe and nurturing environment. This neglect can manifest in various forms, such as not providing medical care, failing to attend to the child’s emotional needs, or exposing the child to unsafe living conditions due to drug use.

On the other hand, the other options do not align with the realities of maternal substance abuse. Encouraged social development and enhanced emotional support would typically come from stable, nurturing environments, which are undermined by substance abuse. Improved health care access is also unlikely since addiction can lead to disengagement from health care systems. Hence, the focus on neglect accurately reflects the risks associated with maternal substance abuse in child welfare contexts.