### Question
How is the "risk factor" defined?


### Answer
The term **risk factor** is defined in *20 U.S.C. § 7161* as follows -

> any one of a number of characteristics of the community, school, family, or peer-individual domains that are known, through prospective, longitudinal research efforts, to be predictive of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use, as well as violent behavior, by youth in the school and community

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 7161*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 70-STRENGTHENING AND IMPROVEMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS > SUBCHAPTER IV-21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS > Part A-Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities > subpart 4-general provisions**

