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: Additional factors contributing to the risk factors listed above include lower socioeconomic status, lack of social support, and high-stress levels. Child Risk Factors: The child’s age, health—physical, mental, and emotional—and social development may increase susceptibility to abuse and neglect. Given their size, early development status, and need for constant care, infants and young children are more vulnerable to certain types of maltreatment, including abusive head trauma and physical or medical neglect. Parenting Methods and Household Risk Factors: 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.