To clarify the factors interacting with poverty which make families more likely to abuse and neglect their children, interviews were conducted with families indicating neglect only (n=246), neglect and abuse (n=106), and abuse only (n=28). Interviews conducted with the maltreating group were compared with a group of poverty level nonmaltreating families with at least one child 12 years old or older. Responses were recorded and analyzed for the following areas: sample description (including ethnic group, language spoken, and welfare status); housing (including food consumption, clothing, and material living index); ecological environment (including perception of neighborhood, contact with relatives, and frequency of moving); child rearing knowledge, attitudes, and practices; familial background of parent; current family composition (including number, ages, and spacing of children); parental problems and difficulties (including alcohol consumption, use of heroin, and emotional well being); parent's current self-perceptions and expectations; and child characteristics. Findings are noted to suggest the following intervention strategies: guaranteed employment; guaranteed minimal income at a substantially higher level than current levels; universal preventive health care; expanded food stamp programs; an expanded stock of adequate housing at reasonable rents; and community development programs that would provide resources to make communities safer, more supportive, and less crime-ridden. (Tables with statistical data are provided throughout the text.) (SBH)