Results of the study found support for the idea that social competence, adaptive functioning skills, and positive peer relationships are associated with more positive outcomes for maltreated or at-risk children. Future research is recommended to establish a causal link. Protective factors are variables that have a buffering effect and modify the effects of risks in a positive direction. In the literature, a child's attributes can be protective against negative outcomes, as well as family and peer characteristics. Using the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW), this study sought to better understand the experiences of children and families who have contact with the child welfare system. The study explored the relationship between hypothesized protective factors and outcomes for children investigated for maltreatment. It is posited that higher levels or increases in each hypothesized protective factor would be related to more positive outcomes. Tables and references