What are Complicating Factors?

 "Anything that complicates the provision of safety and well being to the child but is not direct harm from the caregiver.​"

Complicating factors are the phenomena present in most child welfare cases that cause concern and may need to be addressed, but are not in and of themselves directly related to specific child welfare related harm and danger. Sometimes these complicating factors do not have any current impact on the children.

Some examples of complicating factors can include caregivers dealing with substance abuse issues, homelessness, mental illness, and cognitive challenges. Although these things can sometimes have a harmful impact on the child, they often will not. The key factor to consider is the of impact of these factors on the safety and well being of the child.