Final answer:
The most suitable living arrangement for children to decrease chances of abuse or neglect involves them being raised in a home with both parents, where there is a strong parent-child relationship. For children post-divorce, living with or having joint arrangements with their gender-similar parent is beneficial. When parental care is not available, living with grandparents or other relatives is common, with efforts made to keep siblings together in foster care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the living arrangements most suitable for children to decrease chances of abuse or neglect, research suggests different custody arrangements contribute to children's well-being. U.S. Census statistics indicate that children living in homes with both parents grow up with more financial and educational advantages than those raised in single-parent homes. This is based on the findings that parental marital status is a significant indicator of a child's advancement, with children of divorced parents generally faring better than those with never-married parents.
Proximity to parents post-divorce also affects children's well-being, with children benefiting from living or having joint arrangements with their gender-similar parent. Boys tend to show less aggression when they live with or have joint arrangements with fathers, and girls tend to be more responsible when raised similarly by mothers. Yet, a strong parent-child relationship is critical in improving a child's adjustment to divorce regardless of living arrangements.
In cases where parental care is not possible, children may live with guardians such as grandparents or other relatives. Approximately half of these children live with grandparents, and about 20 percent live with other relatives. Keeping siblings together in foster care is usually prioritized, as they can provide support to each other through challenging transitions.