Steve, see if there is a Big Sister group that can help her out. Or 4H, or something. Learning about the outside world in an optimistic way would help to show that it gets better. Especially for kids who get it, learning and thriving even with a rough start. Even without a lot of $$$, kids have the energy to do well. If they get the right encouragement.

Not all families can do that, and it has nothing to do with the "structure" of the family.