Walter's Risk Factors

Davies (2011) defines risk factors as influences from within the environment that increase the possibility of negative future outcomes for children. It was explained that there are three types of risk factors. The first one is the child being exposed to vulnerabilities such as mental disabilities or chronic illness. The second one is impaired parenting and the third one was socioeconomic and institutional status. From the film, Walter has had to experience all three risk factors. The first being born to an addictive mom this fits into the first risk. The second of impaired parenting also fits into Walters past with both parents. The foster care system had Walter due to his mother’s drug use and neglect. The last risk of status, Walter falls into the poverty line in his mother’s care, in the foster care system, and when in Violas care. He can get services, but may be limited to providers and resources allowed.
The quality in the parenting is commented by Webb (2011) to be the most important mediator of risk for children, however other adult relationships can be as protective. For Walter, protective factors that he has in his life currently displayed in the film are the safe neighborhood that he lives in with his grandmother, and his involvement in his school and church studies. One of Walter’s teachers is shown in the film commenting on how good Walter has developed in his studies since he first enrolled in their school and the positive influences that are coming from his home life with his grandmother. The film also shows the enjoyment Walter has in his church class with the other children