Final answer:
Drug and alcohol use by caregivers is a significant risk factor for child maltreatment. Infants are particularly vulnerable to neglect, and other risk factors include social isolation, depression, and a caregiver's low education or history of mistreatment. External factors like poverty, community standards, and lack of using available services can also lead to neglect.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant risk factor for child maltreatment identified is drug and alcohol use by caregivers. Children in households with substance abuse are exposed to higher risks of both physical abuse and neglect, with abuse being three times more likely and neglect four times more likely compared to other children. Additionally, infants, being the most vulnerable and dependent group, have a high incident rate of victimization, particularly neglect due to their complete dependence on caregivers for all aspects of care.
Other important risk factors include social isolation, depression, low parental education, and a history of the caregiver being mistreated as a child. Approximately 30 percent of children who are abused will potentially continue the cycle of abuse with their own children. Finally, it's crucial to recognize that external factors such as cultural values, community standards of care, and poverty can also contribute to neglect. When public or private services are available and not utilized by the parents, intervention by child welfare services may occur.