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: 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. An abused child may exhibit signs of guilt, shame or confusion. If the abuse involves a parent, relative, or family friend, it is likely he/she will be afraid to tell anyone about the maltreatment and develop a noticeable fear or discomfort when around parents, adult caregivers or family friends. It is vital to be on the alert for such red flags. How can we mitigate these risks? “ Protective factors are conditions or attributes of individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that mitigate risk and promote healthy development and well-being. ” –