In evaluating a child with cerebral palsy, which element of the family history raises concerns about maltreatment?

In evaluating a child with cerebral palsy, which element of the family history raises concerns about maltreatment?

• A. Child attends day care
• B. Limited financial resources
• C. Mother works outside the home
• D. No membership in a church

Answer: (B)

Economic stress is a key risk factor for maltreatment because financial hardship can increase caregiver stress, reduce access to supportive resources, and challenge a family’s ability to provide safe and consistent care. Limited financial resources signal potential for ongoing stress and unmet needs, which in vulnerable children—such as those with cerebral palsy who require extra care—can contribute to neglect or abuse. In contrast, attending day care often provides supervision and social support; working outside the home is common and not itself a risk factor for maltreatment; and lack of church membership does not have a known link to maltreatment risk.

Economic stress is a key risk factor for maltreatment because financial hardship can increase caregiver stress, reduce access to supportive resources, and challenge a family’s ability to provide safe and consistent care. Limited financial resources signal potential for ongoing stress and unmet needs, which in vulnerable children—such as those with cerebral palsy who require extra care—can contribute to neglect or abuse. In contrast, attending day care often provides supervision and social support; working outside the home is common and not itself a risk factor for maltreatment; and lack of church membership does not have a known link to maltreatment risk.