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Family Structure

Research indicates that some children living with single parents may be at higher risk of experiencing physical and sexual abuse and neglect than children living with two biological parents. Some single parent households are more likely to have incomes below the poverty line. Lower income, increased stress associated with the total burden of family responsibilities, and fewer supports are thought to contribute to the risk of single parents maltreating their children.¹

¹ Adapted from J. Goldman, M. K. Salus, D. Wolcott, and K. Y. Kennedy. (2003). A coordinated response to child abuse and neglect: The foundation for practice. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 2006 from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm back

Selected Resources Are Father Surrogates a Risk Factor for Child Maltreatment? Radhakrishna, Bou-Saada, Hunter, Catellier, & Kotch Child Maltreatment, 6(4), 2001 View Abstract Attempts to determine if the presence of a father surrogate in the home affects the risk of a subsequent child maltreatment. Income, Family Structure, and Child Maltreatment Risk Berger Children and Youth Services Review, 26(8), 2004 View Abstract Explores the effects of income, family structure, and public policies on several indicators of child maltreatment.

Updated on March 1, 2010