In July 1987, Washington State adopted a Risk Factor Matrix for use by Child Protective Services in case investigation and management. The matrix includes 32 variables which are grouped into seven risk factors. Before a comprehensive assessment of risk of future harm to the child can be concluded, caseworkers are expected to consider these risk factors. The factors are: Child characteristics Severity of child abuse and neglect (CA/N) Chronicity of CA/N Caretaker characteristics Parent/child relationship Environmental factors Perpetrator access to child A literature review of the risk factors was conducted in 1987. The review was intended to evaluate the matrix, to provide a summary of current literature for staff, and to identify topics for future research.