Retention of juvenile characteristics in the adults of a species, as among certain amphibians.
The attainment of sexual maturity by an organism still in its larval stage.
Much of modern society can be described by this. A really familiar example is the short, puppy like muzzles of some domestic canines. They have been bred to retain juvenile features.
It does apply to homo sapiens as well, I'm not qualified to attach the principle to the welfare mentality, but it sure is tempting! It would explain a lot.