Title: Risk Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect - CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County
Headings: Risk Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect
Risk Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect
Parent or Caregiver Risk Factors:
Child Risk Factors:
Parenting Methods and Household Risk Factors:
Community and Environmental Risk Factors:
How can we mitigate these risks?

Content: The attitudes of the parents, family structure, and approach to raising the child (ren) are all potential risks for abuse and neglect. Domestic violence is a frequent contributor to child maltreatment. In 30% to 60% of families where spousal abuse in involved, mistreatment of the child also occurs. Community and Environmental Risk Factors: The child’s neighborhood conditions, such as low socioeconomic status, presence of violence in his/her vicinity, and social attitudes, can place the child at greater risk for maltreatment. Poverty can add to the probability of abuse and neglect. If this condition is added to other risk factors, including depression, substance abuse, and social isolation, the chances of maltreatment increase. Other factors occurring simultaneously—parent and child characteristics, family situations, community violence and conditions—increase the risk as well. Child abuse isn’t limited to one race/ethnic group, gender or age group, or social or economic status. Additional risk factors include a history of abuse or neglect as a child, physical or mental illness, family crisis or stress, unemployment, family isolation, and inadequate parenting skills.