Which of the following is a risk factor for maltreatment?

• A. Regular family meals.
• B. Access to stable housing.
• C. Parental substance use.
• D. Community support networks.

Answer: (C)

Parental substance use is a risk factor for maltreatment because it can impair a caregiver’s ability to provide consistent supervision, emotional support, and safe, nurturing care. Substance use often brings chaos and stress into the home, reduces attention to a child’s needs, and can lead to neglect or unsafe situations. It may also be linked with financial difficulties and other problems that further threaten a child’s safety.

In contrast, regular family meals, stable housing, and community support networks are protective factors. They promote routines, reduce stress, improve access to resources, and provide social support that helps caregivers meet children’s needs and lowers the risk of maltreatment.

So the factor that increases risk here is parental substance use.