Risk factors are those conditions that increase the likelihood that a child will develop one or more behavior problems during their developmental years. CAST attempts to identify and reduce or counter the risks present in the community, home, and school in an effort to help Upper Merion Area students make positive decisions related to drugs and violence.

Priority Risk Factors for the Upper Merion Area 2010-2012:

1. Low Commitment to School- When a student ceases to see the role of a student as a positive one useful in achieving their goals.
2. Poor Family Management- A lack of clear expectations, monitoring, and consequences within the family leading to substance abuse and violence.
   
3. Favorable Community Norms to Drugs and Alcohol- The community's perception that drug and alcohol use is a normal part of child development and common social practice.

Upper Merion Area Risk Factors for 2008-2010:

1. Low Neighborhood attachment- A feeling of detachment from the community to the point where change seems out of reach.
   
2. Poor family management- A lack of clear expectations, monitoring, and consequences within the family leading to substance abuse and violence.
   
3. Constitutional Factors- Depression in young people can lead to sensation- seeking, risk- taking, and lack of impulse control, which contributes to substance abuse and violence.