What is defined as the likelihood of any degree of longer-term future harm or maltreatment?

The correct answer is risk, which refers to the probability or likelihood of potential long-term harm or maltreatment occurring in the future. This concept is central to child protective services as it assesses the potential dangers that a child might face based on current circumstances or historical patterns of behavior. Evaluating risk is crucial for making informed decisions regarding a child’s safety and well-being, and it helps professionals determine the appropriate interventions that may be needed to protect children.

Safety, while related, focuses more specifically on the immediate absence of danger or threat to a child. Negligence pertains to a failure to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise, which can lead to harmful situations but does not encompass the broader idea of future risk. Disregard implies a lack of concern or attention to potential harm, which does not fully capture the proactive evaluation that the concept of risk entails. Understanding the distinction among these terms enhances the ability to assess situations effectively within the context of child welfare.