Frequently Asked Questions: Child Abuse & Neglect

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, including human trafficking. It also includes information on how to effectively identify and report maltreatment and refer children who have been maltreated as well as additional resources.

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.

Presents State 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.

Provides an overview of the purposes and functions of child welfare systems. It explains what happens when abuse or neglect are reported, how those reports are processed, and what happens to the adults and children who are involved in the child welfare system. A flowchart illustrates how cases may move through the child welfare system.

Key findings in the new Child Maltreatment report show the following:
The number of children who received a child protective services investigation or alternative response increased 10% from 2013 (3,184,000) to 2017 (3,501,000).
The number and rate of victims fluctuated during the past 5 years. The national rounded number of victims increased 2.7% from 2013 (656,000) to 2017 (674,000).
The percentage of child abuse and neglect victims with the caregiver alcohol misuse risk factor increased from 10.6% to 12.1% from 2015-2017. The percentage of victims with the drug abuse caregiver risk factor increased from 27.1% to 30.8% from 2015-2017.
Child Maltreatment 2017 includes information on reports made to child protective services (CPS) agencies, the demographics of the children involved, the types of maltreatment, CPS responses, the number of fatalities, child and caregiver risk factors, perpetrators of abuse and neglect, and available services.

Discusses the factors parents must consider when deciding whether their child is ready to be left home alone as well as tips to help make the experience safe and successful for all. Resources for more information are also included.

Explains the long-term physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of child abuse and neglect and provides an overview of adverse childhood experiences. It also discusses the importance of prevention and intervention efforts and promoting protective relationships and environments. Childhood maltreatment can be linked to later physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences as well as costs to society as a whole. The outcomes for each child may vary widely and are affected by a combination of factors. Additionally, children who experience maltreatment often are affected by other adverse experiences (e.g., parental substance use, domestic violence, poverty), which can make it difficult to separate the unique effects of maltreatment.

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.