Applying systems-oriented models of maltreatment, the study focused on types of maltreatment, parents' history and functioning, and characteristics of their psychosocial environment. The results suggested that, in cases of severe child maltreatment, mothers who complied with the court orders could be differentiated from mothers who did not. The noncompliant mothers were characterized by maladaptive behaviors including moving often, showing high levels of substance abuse and criminal behavior, and becoming involved in violent relationships. They also tended to be younger and to abuse their children physically. The mothers who did comply with the court order showed more psychiatric diagnoses than the other group; the diagnoses were primarily of personality disorders. 1 table and 34 references