Which reason was cited as one of the smallest contributors of children entering foster care?

The reason cited as one of the smallest contributors to children entering foster care is parental death. While the death of a parent can undoubtedly have a profound impact on a child's stability and well-being, it often results in different legal and social responses compared to issues like neglect or substance abuse. In many cases, extended family members or other relatives may step in to care for the child after a parent's death, thereby reducing the likelihood of the child entering the foster care system.

In contrast, reasons such as parental incarceration, parental substance abuse, and neglect are more commonly associated with the systemic failures that lead to a child being placed in foster care. These situations often involve ongoing issues that prevent a parent from providing a safe and stable environment, leading to more urgent interventions by child welfare services.