Problem
David and Katie are both 10-year-old children growing up in a lower socio-economic status community in a large urban city. David's family consists of his mom and two younger siblings. David does not have contact with his father. David's mother works at a local grocery store and often must work 10-hour shifts, 5 or 6 days a week to maintain a living wage for her family. When his mom is working, David and his siblings spend time at his grandparents' house, a few blocks away. David's mom is very loving to him and his siblings and when she can, she will read often to her children or take them to the park. David's mom always ensures that her children have a healthy breakfast before school. David is enrolled in the school lunch program and has a very strong and effective grade 5 teacher. Katie lives down the street from David with both her mom and dad along with two younger siblings. Katie's mom works full time at the paper mill and her dad is at home and cannot work as he has struggled with depression for the last several years. Katie and her siblings are often at home with their dad while their mom is at work. At times, Katie must care for her siblings when her father is unable to engage effectively in a caregiving role. Although Katie attends school regularly, she is often tired and falls behind her peers with schoolwork. Katie's mom is very loving towards her family but is often stressed by the demands of work and caring for her husband and family. Use a scholar/academic references.
Using Bronfenbrenner's ecological model of development model, explain how the various systems in David and Katie's lives interact and affect development.
When thinking about the various risk and protective factors affecting these kids, how do you think about possible long-term outcomes for both David and Katie?