Institutional racism and systemic oppression over generations have disproportionately impacted families of color. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the inequity of child maltreatment rates along racial and ethnic lines in California. Rates of substantiations are significantly higher among Black and Native American children than White and Asian children. Rates of substantiation among Latinx families are also somewhat higher than their population percentage.

Racial disproportionality in the child welfare system stems from institutional and structural racism. In addition, these systems historically impact parents of color through implicit bias in the child welfare system and society in general, economic inequality, and the disproportionate involvement of child welfare and law enforcement in the lives of families of color. Therefore, initiatives that promote racial equity are critical and promote the other Community Protective Factors listed here. While the field is only beginning to understand the interplay of these factors, research suggests that concentrated poverty among demographic groups explains much of the difference in substantiation rates, particularly substantiated rates of neglect.

The federal stimulus and unemployment funds decreased poverty for one year. Unlike income inequality from previous recessions, there has been an increase in wages stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, but researchers are still digging into the data to see how this will impact the wealth gap.

While poverty appears to be trending in a positive direction, income inequality remains an important challenge for California families. The California Budget and Policy Center tracks the impact of federal support during the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial cliff families are facing without it. We do know that pandemics typically raise income inequality. Research has shown that the economic hardship triggered by the pandemic has disproportionately impacted people of color and those with lower-education levels.

Research suggests that income, or socioeconomic status, is the strongest predictor of maltreatment rates. The presence of poverty does not mean a child is unsafe, unloved, or that a parent lacks the capacity to care for his or her child; they lack access to resources.

Additionally, children under 1 year old tend to experience child maltreatment at higher rates than any other age group. This may be because of their size (infants are more likely to be harmed by even minor physical stresses), the reaction some adults have to excessive crying, or a child's lack of responsiveness. Research shows that maltreatment that begins during infancy is likely to be chronic and developmentally consequential when there is no intervention.

Research shows that high levels of unemployment increase economic uncertainty and stress for families. Unemployment in California peaked in April 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and has fallen but is still higher than pre-pandemic levels.

With housing costs in California doubled over the National average, Californians spend a disproportionate amount of their income on housing. California lost over 20,000 affordable rental units from 1997-2021—most of which were owned by for-profit entities. One forecast suggests the state will lose up to 7,000 additional affordable units in the coming year.

A recent audit found ineffective use of surplus property to alleviate the affordable housing shortage. Burdensome housing costs increase families' stress, which places children at greater risk for maltreatment.

Homelessness is a major driver of temporary family separation, increasing family stress and the number of caregivers in a child's life. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted a count of homeless families in 2021, and found that more than 18,500 family members were homeless in shelters around the state. Among U.S. States, California has the second highest number of people in families experiencing homelessness, second only to New York State.

Compared to other states where family homelessness is a challenge, homeless families in California are more likely to be unsheltered - that is, on the street, in cars or abandoned buildings, or in other places not suitable for human habitation. In 2020, six out of the top ten cities with the highest percentages of homelessness were in California.

Across the state, families exposed to a culture of violence often experience trauma, strain, and fear, all of which increase the likelihood of child maltreatment. While 2021 data is not yet available statewide, Preliminary data from Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego suggest that property and violent crime are trending up.

Communities witnessing more violent crimes are associated with higher risk for child maltreatment and poor outcomes.

Families with problematic alcohol or drug use often experience trauma, strain, and fear. COVID-19 has had mixed impacts on drug and alcohol use. Research shows that problem drinking increased in the first several months of the pandemic, while drug used changed with an increase in use of cannabis and anxiety medication offset by a decline in use of drugs often consumed in social settings like cocaine and MDMA. Preliminary California data show that opioid-related hospitalizations increased at an even faster rate after the start of the pandemic (see below).

Research on California Communities shows that increases in community level prescription opioid overdoses are associated with increases in child maltreatment and child injuries. Communities with higher rates of non-medical prescription opioid use may experience greater levels of child harms.

Social isolation and loneliness are important risk factors for child abuse , and conversely strong peer networks and social connections protect against abuse. The COVID pandemic and subsequent social distancing measures have led to a population-wide increase in social isolation. One representative national survey found that over 70% of adults under 50 report having at least some sense of social isolation since the beginning of the pandemic.