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  • Risk Factors That Contribute to Child Abuse and Neglect

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 greater likelihood of experiencing maltreatment.

A greater understanding of risk factors can help professionals working with children and families to identify stressors and situations that put them at increased risk for child abuse and neglect and intervene and support them before maltreatment occurs. 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 causes child abuse and neglect.

Certain conditions or attributes, called protective factors, may lessen the likelihood of children being abused or neglected. By identifying protective factors, professionals can acquire a more holistic view of family experiences and engage with other service providers in developing a multiservice system response. Understanding the role of protective factors is as important as recognizing risk factors.

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

  • Parent or caregiver factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect
  • Child factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect
  • Family factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect
  • Community and environmental factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect
  • Risk factors for recurrence of child abuse and neglect
  • Co-occurring risk factors for child abuse and neglect

Child Maltreatment Report 2021 (PDF - 6,972 KB) 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (2023)
Presents national data about child abuse and neglect known to child protective services agencies in the United States during fiscal year 2021. The report includes data on responses to reports of maltreatment, child victim and perpetrator demographics, and child fatality rates.

Promoting Protective Factors for In-Risk Families and Youth: A Guide for Practitioners

Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
View
Download (PDF - 397KB)
Order bound (Free)
Year Published
2015
Presents information from a review of current research linking protective factors to well-being for the five in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF): children exposed to domestic violence, homeless and runaway youth, pregnant and parenting teens, victims of child abuse and neglect, and youth in and aging out of foster care. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of children and youth; how parents, guardians, and others can contribute to the well-being of these children; and strategies for practitioners. A model framework for organizing and applying protective factors is included, as well as a table listing specific protective factors for ACYF populations by level of influence. 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 ACYF.

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
Availability
View
Download (PDF - 417KB)
Order bound (Free)
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.

Risk and Protective Factors
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Describes individual, family, and community factors associated with child abuse and neglect.

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Spotlight On

Protective Factors Approaches in Child Welfare
Child Welfare Information Gateway
(2020)

Risk and Protective Factors

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Strengthening Families Protective Factors

Children's Trust Fund

About Strengthening Families and the Protective Factors Framework (PDF - 604 KB)

Center for the Study of Social Policy (2018)

Related Content

Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect

Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect

Protective Factors to Promote Well-Being and Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect

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