INSTITUTIONLIZATION
Leading Causes of Child Abuse
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Parents’ history of child maltreatment in their family during childhood
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Substance abuse and/or mental health issues, including depression in the family
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Parents’ lack of understanding of children’s needs, child development and parenting skills
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Parental characteristics such as young age, low education, single parenthood, large number of dependent children, and low income
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Nonbiological, transient caregivers in the home (e.g., mother’s male partner)
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Parental thoughts and emotions that tend to support or justify maltreatment behaviours
Protective Factors
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Nurturing parenting skills
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Stable family relationships
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Household rules and child monitoring
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Adequate income
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Adequate housing
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Access to health care and social services
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Caring adults outside the family who can serve as role models or mentors
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Communities that support parents and take responsibility for preventing abuse
