Child Factors

Age, health, and physical, mental, emotional, and social development are factors that may increase a child's vulnerability to maltreatment. Infants and young children, due to their small physical size, early developmental status, and need for constant care, can be particularly vulnerable to certain forms of maltreatment, such as abusive head trauma and physical or medical neglect. The demands of caring for these children may overwhelm their parents. This page provides resources on child factors associated with child abuse and neglect.

• Age
• Health
• Disabilities

Child Maltreatment in the "Children of the Nineties": The Role of the Child
Sidebotham & Heron
Child Abuse and Neglect, 27(3), 2003
View Abstract
Discusses research on child characteristics that may increase vulnerability to maltreatment.

Hazards of Stigma: The Sexual and Physical Abuse of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents in the United States and Canada
Saewyc, Skay, Pettingell, Reis, Bearinger, Resnick et al.
Child Welfare, 85(2), 2006
View Abstract
Compares self-reports of sexual and physical abuse with youth sexual orientation and gender.

Age

Nonfatal Maltreatment of Infants: United States, October 2005-September 2006
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 57(13), 2008
Presents data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System on the prevalence and types of nonfatal maltreatment of infants less than 1 year old.

Focus on the First Years: Correlates of Substantiation of Child Maltreatment for Families With Children 0 to 4
Scannapieco & Connell-Carrick
Children and Youth Services Review, 27(12), 2005
View Abstract
Compares cases of children age 0 to 4 using five characteristics—child, parent, home, social, and maltreatment—with children in substantiated and unsubstantiated cases.

Parental Responses to Infant Crying: The Influence of Child Physical Abuse Risk and Hostile Priming
Crouch, Skowronski, Milner, & Harris
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal, 32(3), 2008
View Abstract
Assesses whether crying infants increase hostility and potential for child abuse and neglect after having both high- and low-risk parents watch a video of a crying infant.

Predicting and Responding to Physical Abuse in Young Children Using NCANDS
Palusci, Smith, & Paneth
Children and Youth Services Review, 27(6), 2005
View Abstract
Examines cases of abuse of infants under 3 to determine whether there are factors that could predict future physical abuse.

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Health

Babies at Double Jeopardy: Medically Fragile Infants and Child Neglect
Fullar
ZERO TO THREE, 28(6), 2008
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Describes how infants born prematurely or with other medical problems are at risk for both child neglect and developmental problems when entering certain home environments. The article also explains the need to collaborate to meet the needs of infants when maltreatment occurs.

Death, Child Abuse, and Adverse Neurological Outcome of Infants After an Apparent Life-Threatening Event
Bonkowsky, Guenther, Filloux, & Srivastava
Pediatrics, 122(1), 2008
View Abstract
Identifies short- and long-term risks for child abuse after an apparent life-threatening event.

Do Chronic Conditions Increase Young Children's Risk of Being Maltreated?
Jaudes & Mackey-Bilaver
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal, 32(3), 2008
View Abstract
Assesses children under 6 who, while on Medicaid, have had three or more chronic conditions such as physical illnesses and developmental delays. Results showed that children with behavioral and mental health conditions were more likely to experience child maltreatment.

Patterns of Health Care Use That May Identify Young Children Who Are at Risk for Maltreatment
Friedlaender, Rubin, Alpern, Mandell, Christian, & Alessandrini
Pediatrics, 116(6), 2005
Examines cases of children enrolled in Medicaid to determine if health-care use can be used as a predictor for child abuse or neglect. One characteristic that was associated with later child maltreatment was changing a primary care provider.

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Disabilities

Child Abuse and Children With Disabilities
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Provides information to work more effectively with child abuse cases that may involve children with special needs and their families. Includes special sections on interviewing strategies, medical concerns, and disability jargon.

Children With Disabilities in the Child Welfare System
Weaver, Keller, & Loyek (2005)
In Child Welfare for the Twenty-First Century: A Handbook of Practices, Policies, and Programs
View Abstract
Explores the relationship between disability and maltreatment.

A Contextual Analysis of Caregivers of Children With Disabilities
Washington
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(5), 2009
View Abstract
Summarizes data about caregivers to children with disabilities to show how increased stress and other issues place the child at greater risk for child maltreatment.

Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities (PDF - 275 KB)
Hibbard & Desch
Pediatrics, 119(5), 2007
Recognizes children with disabilities as at risk for child abuse and neglect, and includes information about early recognition and intervention.

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