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?
- What is considered child abuse and neglect in my State? How does my State define child abuse and 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 2014, an estimated 1,546 children died as a result of abuse or neglect in 2014. 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 2014 is available online at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-2014
General resources
- Toll-Free Crisis Hotline Numbers
Also available in Spanish: Números Gratuitos de las Líneas de Ayuda en Caso de Crisis - This factsheet outlines the legal definition of child abuse and neglect, the different types of abuse and neglect, and the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Resources about the impact of trauma on well-being also are included.
Note: This factsheet combines and updates two previous factsheets from Child Welfare Information Gateway: What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? and Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms. - How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment
Also available in Spanish: Cómo puede reportar el maltrato de menores - From Complaint to Resolution: Understanding the Child Welfare Grievance Process
Series Title Factsheets for Families Author(s) Child Welfare Information GatewayAvailability View
Download (PDF - 554KB)
Order (Free)Year Published 2016 Provides parents (birth, foster, and adoptive) and other caregivers with information about the best way to resolve their differences with a service provider or other child welfare professional. Since child welfare agency policies and procedures are State-specific, this factsheet presents information from a national perspective and points to additional resources about where to find information related to a particular State. The information and resources provided in this factsheet address the majority of complaints associated with the CPS system. - Child abuse and neglect are defined in Federal and State laws. This publication presents State civil laws that define the conduct, acts, and omissions that constitute child abuse or neglect that must be reported to child protective agencies. The types of maltreatment defined include physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
- This factsheet provides a brief overview of the child welfare system and its purposes and functions. Child welfare systems typically receive and investigate reports of possible child abuse and neglect; provide services to families that need assistance in the protection and care of their children; arrange for children to live with kin or with foster families when they are not safe at home; and arrange for reunification, adoption, or other permanent family connections for children leaving foster care. A flowchart illustrates how cases may move through the child welfare system.
- A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Foundation for Practice
- Child Maltreatment 2013
Frequently requested information
- Every parent eventually faces the decision to leave his or her child home alone for the first time. This factsheet provides some questions for parents to consider before leaving their children home alone, as well as tips to help make the experience safe and successful for all. Resources for more information and links to State guides also are included.
- This factsheet explains the long-term physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of child abuse and neglect.
- This issue brief provides basic information on brain development and the effects of abuse and neglect on that development. The information is designed to help professionals understand the emotional, mental, and behavioral impact of early abuse and neglect in children who come to the attention of the child welfare system.