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?
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
| Series Title | Factsheets |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 393KB) Order (Free) |
| Disponibilidad | Ver Versión para imprimir (PDF - 397KB) Ordene (Gratis) |
| Year Published | 2013 |
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.
A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Foundation for Practice
Frequently requested information
What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
| Series Title | Factsheets |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 257KB) Order (Free) |
| Disponibilidad | Ver Versión para imprimir (PDF - 312KB) Ordene (Gratis) |
| Year Published | 2019 |
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.
Leaving Your Child Home Alone
| Series Title | Factsheets for Families |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 223KB) |
| Disponibilidad | Ver Versión para imprimir (PDF - 216KB) |
| Year Published | 2018 |
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.
Child Protective Services: A Guide for Caseworkers
| Author(s) | Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau. |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 2,676KB) |
| Year Published | 2018 |
This manual examines the roles and responsibilities of child protective services (CPS) workers. It describes the purposes, key decisions, and issues of each stage of the CPS process and strategies for casework supervision, training, and support.
Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities 2017: Statistics and Interventions
| Series Title | Numbers and Trends |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 337KB) Order (Free) |
| Year Published | 2019 |
Presents statistics and information on child fatalities due to abuse and neglect in the United States during Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2017 as compiled and reported in Child Maltreatment 2017. This summary of national and State data includes information on fatalities due to abuse and neglect, child and perpetrator characteristics, and communities' responses to child fatalities.
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.