The Administration for Children and Families defines child abuse
and neglect as "any recent act or failure to act on the part of
a parent or caregiver that results in death, serious physical or
emotional harm, sexual abuse, exploitation, or an act or failure
to act that presents an imminent risk for serious harm." Laws
vary from state to state, but in all states, clinicians who
suspect abuse or neglect are required by law to file a report
with child welfare offices. The USPSTF compiled a list of
factors -- in large part from CDC literature -- associated with
child maltreatment, including but not limited to: -- Young,
single, or nonbiological parents -- Parental history of abuse or
neglect in family of origin -- Family dysfunction or violence --
Substance abuse within the family -- Social isolation, poverty,
or other socioeconomic disadvantages -- Parental stress and
distress However, "the current evidence is insufficient to
assess the balance of benefits and harms of primary care
interventions to prevent chil