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Child Factors

Factors such as a child's age and physical, mental, emotional, or social development may increase the child's vulnerability to maltreatment.

• Birth to age 3
• Disabilities

What Factors Contribute to Child Abuse and Neglect? Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (HHS) User Manual Series (2003) In A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Foundation for Practice Parent, child, family, and environmental risk and protective factors. Child Maltreatment in the "Children of the Nineties": The Role of the Child Sidebotham & Heron Child Abuse and Neglect, 27(3), 2003 View Abstract Research on child characteristics that may increase vulnerability to maltreatment.

Birth to age 3

The rate of documented maltreatment is highest for children between birth and 3 years of age. It declines as age increases.

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 Shaken Baby Syndrome and physical neglect.

Age and Sex of Victims, 2007
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2009)
In Child Maltreatment 2007
National child maltreatment data showing number of victims by age and sex in 2007.

Babies in Foster Care: The Numbers Call for Attention
Wulczyn & Hislop
Zero to Three, 22(5), 2002
View Abstract
Discusses increased risk for maltreatment and entry into foster care for infants and toddlers.

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 (NCANDS) on the prevalence and type of nonfatal maltreatment of infants less than 1 year old.

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Disabilities

Children with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities are 1.7 times more likely to be maltreated than children without disabilities.

Children who are perceived by their parents as "different" or those with special needs, chronic illnesses, or difficult temperaments may be at greater risk of maltreatment. The demands of caring for these children may overwhelm their parents. Disruptions may occur in bonding or attachment processes, particularly if children are unresponsive to affection or separated from parents by frequent hospitalizations.

Children with disabilities also may be vulnerable to repeated maltreatment because they may not understand that the abusive behaviors are inappropriate, and they may be unable to escape or defend themselves in abusive situations.

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.

Ethnicity, Disability, and Risk for Abuse
Randall, Sobsey, & Parrila
Developmental Disabilities Bulletin, 29(1), 2001
View Abstract
Detailed analysis of the ethnicity, disability status, and risk of abuse interaction.

Every Child Special–Every Child Safe: Protecting Children With Disabilities from Maltreatment
Krahn, Thorn, Sokoloff, Hylton, & Steinberg (2000)
View Abstract
An overview of the causes of maltreatment, the risks for children with disabilities, service needs, and an agenda for action by State policymakers.

The Risk and Prevention of Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities

Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities
Grayson
Virginia Child Protection Newsletter, 59(1-7), 2000
View Abstract
Discussion of developmental disabilities as both a consequence of maltreatment and a risk factor for abuse or neglect.

Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities
Ammerman, Lubetsky, & Stubenbort (2000, 2nd ed.)
In Case Studies in Family Violence
View Abstract
Describes stress experienced by caregivers and the vulnerability of children with disabilities.

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Updated on March 1, 2010