Risk Factors That Contribute to Child Abuse and Neglect

Research has uncovered a number of risk factors or attributes commonly associated with maltreatment. Children in families and environments where these factors exist have a higher probability of experiencing maltreatment.

A greater understanding of risk factors can help professionals working with children and families identify maltreatment and high-risk situations so they can intervene appropriately. It must be emphasized, however, that while certain factors often are present among families where maltreatment occurs, this does not mean that the presence of these factors necessarily lead to child abuse and neglect.

Common factors associated with increased risk of child maltreatment are often categorized as follows:

Adolescent Risk Factors for Child Maltreatment

Child Abuse and Neglect, 38(4)

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Identifies risk factors that emerge in adolescence and may contribute to child abuse and neglect.

Child Abuse and Neglect: Risk and Protective Factors
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Describes individual and communities factors associated with child abuse and neglect.

Child Maltreatment 2015
Author(s)
United States. Children's Bureau.
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Year Published 2017
This report summarizes child abuse statistics submitted by states to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) during 2015. The data are presented in aggregate and by state, and trends are reported when available. Topics include sources of reports; time for response; victimization rates; types of maltreatment; age, race and gender of victims; age and gender of perpetrators; relationship of perpetrators to the victim; number of child fatalities; types of services provided; and additional research related to child maltreatment. During FFY 2015, an estimated 683,000 children in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect. Nationally, 75.3 percent of victims experienced neglect and 17.2 percent were physically abused. For FFY 2015, an estimated 1,670 children died due to child abuse or neglect -- a rate of 2.25 children per 100,000 in the national population. Numerous tables and figures.
Promoting Protective Factors for Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
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Year Published 2015
Presents information from a review of current research on specific protective factors that carry moderate or strong association with improved well-being for victims of child abuse and neglect. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of children who have been abused or neglected; how parents, guardians, friends, and other adults can contribute to the well-being of these children and youth; strategies for practitioners; and resources for more information. This publication is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

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