CTR-PD0079 - Responding to Suspected Child AbuseThere are characteristics that make some children vulnerable to abuse. It can start with an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. When the baby is born, it might not be the desired sex or look like the parents imagined he would. If the parents are estranged, the mere sight of the infant might trigger feelings of anger if he favors the mother or father who is gone. Some children are challenging to raise. Multiples can be physically draining. Premature infants may have special needs or be less responsive than full-term babies, therefore not providing the parents with as much pleasure and satisfaction as they hoped. In fact, it is estimated that about 25% of premies are abused. Children with developmental delays or chronic illnesses are also at high risk for maltreatment. In addition, those with mental health disturbances such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism are also prone to abuse. Even youngsters who have intense reactions, are fussy, or who demand a lot of their mother or fathers time or attention can make that parent lash out against them. As these children get older, they have a high risk for mental illness and the use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. In addition, they often become perpetrators of crime, with 50% of them arrested as juveniles. As adults, 38% perform criminal acts and 30% commit violent crimes. Therefore, it is critical that these youngsters be identified early so that interventions can take place to thwart these negative outcomes. | 
