Home > Frequently Asked Questions > Frequently Asked Questions: Child Abuse & Neglect

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 2007, an estimated 1,760 children died as a result of abuse or neglect in 2007. 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 2007 is available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/stats_research/index.htm#can.

(Back to Top)

General resources

• Child Abuse and Neglect: General Information Packet
  Also available in Spanish: El abuso y la negligencia de menores: Paquete de información general
  
  
• What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
  Also available in Spanish: ¿Qué es el abuso y negligencia de menores?
  
  
• 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?
  Also available in Spanish: ¿Cómo funciona el sistema de bienstar de menores?
  
  
• A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Foundation for Practice
  (PDF - 4110 KB)
  
  
• Child Maltreatment 2007
  
  

(Back to Top)

Frequently requested information

• Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms
  Common signs that abuse or neglect may be occurring.
  Also available in Spanish: Cómo reconocer el maltrato de menores: Los síntomas y los indicios
  
  
• Leaving Your Child Home Alone
  Addresses what to consider before leaving your child home alone, including tips and resources for parents. (PDF - 283 KB)
  
  
• Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
  Physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of maltreatment.
  
  Also available in Spanish: Las consecuencias a largo plazo del maltrato de menores
  
  
• 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 - 293 KB)
  
  
• Child Fatalities
  Related national organizations. Printer-friendly

(Back to Top)

Updated on July 21, 2009