Final answer:
All three children—the step-child, the sick child, and the child with a deployed parent—could potentially be at risk for child abuse, with risk factors including social isolation, caregiver stress, and parental absence due to deployment. However, the specific risk level would depend on individual circumstances and the presence of supportive factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each child mentioned—the step-child, the sick child, and the child with a parent deployed in a combat zone—could potentially be at risk for child abuse, although the exact risk for each child would depend on various individual circumstances and factors surrounding their care and environment. Factors such as social isolation, parental stress, and depression can increase the risk of abuse. For example, a step-child in a blended family may face a higher risk if they are less integrated into the family or if the family experiences stress due to blending. A sick child may be at risk due to the high demands of their care, which can lead to caregiver fatigue and frustration. Children with a parent deployed in a combat zone may experience increased risk due to the stresses on the caregiving parent, which might include financial strain, emotional stress, and social isolation. Moreover, children in single-parent and foster families could also be at an increased risk, especially if the single parent is experiencing the added strain of a partner's absence due to deployment.