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Frequently Asked Questions: Child Abuse & Neglect

• Questions and answers
• General resources
• Frequently requested information

Questions and answers

• What are the signs or symptoms of child abuse and neglect?
  
  
  
• At what age can a child legally be left home alone?
  
  
  
• What can I do if I suspect child abuse or neglect? How do I report child abuse or neglect?
  
  
  
• Can I make an anonymous report of abuse?
  
  
  
• How many children are abused and neglected each year?
  
  
  
• Who typically abuses children?
  
  
  
• How many children die each year due to abuse or neglect?
  According to Child Maltreatment 2006, an estimated 1,530 children died as a result of abuse or neglect in 2006. This national estimate was based on data from State child welfare information systems, as well as other data sources available to the States. The full text of Child Maltreatment 2006 is available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/stats_research/index.htm#can.

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General resources

• Child Abuse and Neglect General Information Packet
  (PDF - 2646 KB)
  
  Also available in Spanish: Paquete de información general sobre el maltrato y descuido de menores
  (PDF - 862 KB)
  
  
• What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
  (PDF - 302 KB)
  
  Also available in Spanish: ¿Qué es el abuso y negligencia de menores?
  (PDF - 284 KB)
  
  
• How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment
  
  Also available in Spanish: Como puede reporter el maltrato de menores
  
  
• Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect (State Statutes Series)
  (PDF - 137 KB)
  
  
• How Does the Child Welfare System Work?
  (PDF - 342 KB)
  
  Also available in Spanish: ¿Como trabaja el sistema de bienstar infantile?
  (PDF - 148 KB)
  
  
• A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Foundation for Practice
  (PDF - 4110 KB)
  
  
• Child Maltreatment 2006
  
  

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Frequently requested information

• Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms
  Common signs that abuse or neglect may be occurring. (PDF - 199 KB)
  
  Also available in Spanish: Reconociendo el maltrato de menores: los indicios y los síntomas (PDF - 132 KB)
  
  
• Leaving Your Child Home Alone
  Addresses what to consider before leaving your child home alone, including tips and resources for parents. (PDF - 181 KB)
  
  
• Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
  Physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of maltreatment. (PDF - 332 KB)
  
  Also available in Spanish: Consecuencias a largo plazo del maltrato de menores (PDF - 142 KB)
  
  
• In Focus: Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Early Brain Development
  An overview of early brain development, how maltreatment can impact a child's cognitive and emotional functioning, and implications for practice, including prevention and intervention strategies. (PDF - 500 KB)
  
  
• Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities: Statistics and Interventions
  Prevalence and characteristics of child abuse-related fatalities, prevention and intervention information, and additional resources. (PDF - 175 KB)
  
  
• Child Fatalities
  Related national organizations. Printer-friendly

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Updated on May 1, 2008