Child maltreatment and specific risk and protective factors of fathers

The topic of child neglect and abuse has moved into the focus of public attention and research. Although it is known that fathers can influence the lives of their children in a positive or negative sense, their role has to date been neglected by child welfare research and practice. An analysis of the literature on child neglect and abuse and father-specific risk and protective factors is described here. Current research demonstrates the complex interaction of father-specific single factors that can be integrated into a bio-psycho-social model for child welfare. The great need for further research and specific changes in child protection practice are clear.