Development and content validation of a comprehensive tool for assessing risk and protective factors in children and adolescents: The ACRAM

Child maltreatment is a complex reality that has become a worldwide social and public health problem; therefore, its early detection is crucial. At present there are no scientifically rigorous instruments that cover all areas of child maltreatment. The aim of this study is to report on the development and content validation of the ACRAM (Adolescents and Children Risk of Abuse and Maltreatment) tool. This process consisted of various stages and followed a mixed methodology. Sample was composed by 144 and 80 professionals from Spain on each stage. The results are very promising and support the content validity of this tool, as we virtually all of our indicators have a good CVI and have been approved and reviewed by several groups of experts. The creation of a valid, reliable and global instrument will have significant benefits for the quality of life of children, adolescents, their families, and for professionals.