Frequently Asked Questions: Responding to 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?
• 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?
• I don't like the way child protective services (CPS) handled my case. What can I do?

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General resources

• How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment
  Also available in Spanish: Cómo puede reportar el maltrato de menores
• How the Child Welfare System Works

  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 2014
   

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Frequently requested information

• What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

  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.
• Leaving Your Child Home Alone

  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.
• Child Protective Services: A Guide for Caseworkers
• Supervising Child Protective Services Caseworkers
• State Laws on Reporting and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
  Summaries of State laws on mandatory reporting, immunity for reporters, and related issues.
• State Laws on Maintaining Child Abuse and Neglect Records
  Summaries of State laws on central registries, disclosure of records, and related issues.

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