Sites in two States, Iowa and Oregon, were selected for this research: Tama County, Iowa, and an 11-county area in northern Oregon. In both sites, Indian and non-Indian families with a self- reported history of neglect and low-income comparison families were sampled to isolate factors apart from poverty that affect family functioning and neglect. A total of 163 families were interviewed: 77 Indian and 86 non-Indian families. A total of 71 neglecting families and 91 comparison families composed the study sample. Data collection began in the summer of 1990 and concluded in August 1992. The interview format included a general interview, separate interviews with the primary caregiver and a second adult, adult self-report measures, and standardized measures for children. Family functioning and social support as measured in this study had little impact on neglect either directly or indirectly. Family structure and caregiver problems all differ more between neglecting and comparison families than measures of extended family support, family functioning, or culture. Thus, in families that are struggling to survive in difficult circumstances, theories relating neglect to the personal characteristics and history of caregivers seem to have more explanatory power than theories concerning family relationships, except for relationships with the children's fathers. Interventions should address both the antecedents and the mediators of neglect. 5 references