Titles concerned with helping to protect children's safety, support families, and reduce the risk of future harm.
47 Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
2019 Prevention Resource Guide
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway;Children's Bureau;FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
Availability
Year Published
2019
This Resource Guide was developed to support service providers in their work with parents, caregivers, and their children to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote child and family well-being. It was created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, its Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention. The resources featured represent the work of a broad-based partnership of national organizations, Federal partners, and parents committed to strengthening families and communities.
2019/2020 Prevention Month Activity Calendars
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway;Children's Bureau;FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2020
These activity calendars include daily tips to help put protective factors into action with families. Each day of the week corresponds to one of the protective factors. The activities were submitted by local Strengthening Families sites.
2019/2020 Prevention Resource Guide
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway;Children's Bureau;FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
Availability
Year Published
2019
This Resource Guide was developed to support service providers in their work with parents, caregivers, and their children to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote child and family well-being. It was created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, its Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention. The resources featured represent the work of a broad-based partnership of national organizations, Federal partners, and parents committed to strengthening families and communities.
2021/2022 Prevention Resource Guide
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway;Children's Bureau;FRIENDS National Resource Center For Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
Availability
Year Published
2021
The Prevention Resource Guide was developed to support service providers in their work with parents, caregivers, and their children to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote child and family well-being. It focuses on protective factors that build on family strengths to foster healthy child and youth development. The resources featured represent the work of a partnership of national organizations, Federal partners, and parents committed to strengthening families and communities.
Acts of Omission: An Overview of Child Neglect
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2018
Addresses the scope of the problem of child neglect as well as its consequences, reviews definitions and strategies for assessing neglect, presents lessons learned about prevention and intervention, and suggests sources of training and informational support. Strategies for addressing neglect, beginning with prevention, are included.
Addressing the Needs of Young Children in Child Welfare: Part C—Early Intervention Services
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2018
Describes the intersection of child welfare and early intervention (EI), provides an overview of the EI process, and outlines the challenges and strategies for implementing EI provisions in Federal law.
Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT)
Series Title
Issue Briefs
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2013
Describes the characteristics and benefits of AF-CBT, an evidence-supported intervention that targets (1) diverse individual child and caregiver characteristics related to conflict and intimidation in the home and (2) the family context in which aggression or abuse may occur. It was written primarily to help child welfare caseworkers and other professionals who work with at-risk families make more informed decisions about when to refer children and their parents and caregivers to AF-CBT programs. This information also may help parents, foster parents, and other caregivers understand what they and their children can gain from AF-CBT and what to expect during treatment.
Chronic Child Neglect
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2019
Provides professionals with an overview of chronic child neglect, its implications for child welfare, and casework practice to address it. The bulletin also explores multisystem collaboration and partnerships, evidence-informed interventions, and the importance of hope in combatting chronic neglect. It features examples of State and local efforts to address chronic child neglect.
Differential Response in Child Welfare.
While the structure for differential response intuitively makes sense, implementing such a system is complex and intricate. This double issue of "Protecting Children" fills a literature void and disseminates cutting-edge knowledge from a practice, philosophical, policy, and research perspective on the approach. The perspectives of many distinguished experts are gathered in this diverse and thought-provoking publication, which addresses: use of differential response with varying case characteristics; evaluative findings; community- and state-specific lessons surrounding implementation; and the practice, policy, and data implications. (Author abstract)
Differential Response: A Primer for Child Welfare Professionals
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
Explores the practice of of differential response in responding to child welfare cases, various approaches used to support children and families, and recent State implementation efforts that highlight practice in the field.
Disclosure of Confidential Child Abuse and Neglect Records
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2022
Discusses State laws detailing the officials and entities that may have access to the confidential records of child abuse and neglect reports and investigations, the circumstances under which information may be disclosed, and the appropriate use of confidential information. Public disclosure of information in cases of child abuse-related fatalities or near fatalities also is addressed.
Domestic Violence: A Primer for Child Welfare Professionals
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
Provides a high-level overview of the overlap between domestic violence and child welfare, the impact of domestic violence on child witnesses, and the trend toward a more collaborative, communitywide response to the issue. It also points to promising practices, as well as comprehensive resources on the topic.
Establishment and Maintenance of Central Registries for Child Abuse or Neglect Reports
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2018
Examines State laws for maintaining records of child abuse and neglect. Almost all States maintain a statewide central registry, which is a centralized database of child abuse and neglect investigation records. In some States, the individual State agencies that received the reports of suspected abuse or neglect are required to maintain these records. Central registry reports are typically used to aid social services agencies in the investigation, treatment, and prevention of child abuse cases and to maintain statistical information for staffing and funding purposes. Central registry records also are used to conduct background checks on prospective foster and adoptive parents.
Forensic Interviewing: A Primer for Child Welfare Professionals
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2017
Provides child welfare professionals with a brief overview of forensic interviewing so they can better understand how such interviews affect their practice with children and families. Forensic interviewing is a means of gathering information from a victim or witness for use in a legal setting, such as a court hearing and is a key component of many child protective services investigations.
From Complaint to Resolution: Understanding the Child Welfare Grievance Process
Series Title
Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2022
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 child protective services system.
How the Child Welfare System Works
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2020
Provides a brief overview of the purposes and functions of the child welfare system and includes a flowchart illustrating how cases typically move through the system.
Human Trafficking and Child Welfare: A Guide for Caseworkers
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2017
Due to their potentially unstable living situations, physical distance from friends and family, traumatic experiences, and emotional vulnerability, children involved with child welfare are at risk for being targeted by traffickers who are actively seeking victims to exploit. This bulletin explores how caseworkers can identify and support children who have been victimized as well as children that are at greater risk for future victimization. It provides background information about the issue, strategies caseworkers can use to identify and support victims and potential victims, and tools and resources that can assist caseworkers.
Human Trafficking and Child Welfare: A Guide for Child Welfare Agencies
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2017
Due to their potentially unstable living situations, physical distance from friends and family, traumatic experiences, and emotional vulnerability, children involved with child welfare are at risk for being targeted by traffickers who are actively seeking children to exploit. This bulletin is intended for child welfare agency leadership and explores how child welfare agencies can support children who are victims of human trafficking, as well as children who are at greater risk for future victimization. It provides background information about the issue, including its scope and relevant Federal legislation and initiatives, and strategies that agencies can implement to address the trafficking of children. State and local policy and program examples also are provided.
Human Trafficking: Coordinating Resources
Series Title
Grantee Lessons Learned
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2019
Shares what Children’s Bureau’s grantees have learned about coordinating specialized resources and services for child and youth victims of trafficking at the State and local levels.
Human Trafficking: Developing Housing Options
Series Title
Grantee Lessons Learned
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2019
Shares what Children’s Bureau’s grantees have learned about effective housing and treatment approaches for child and youth victims of trafficking and the strategies they are using to address common challenges.
Human Trafficking: Working With Faith-Based Groups
Series Title
Grantee Lessons Learned
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2019
Shares what Children’s Bureau’s grantees have learned about developing and working with faith-based organizations to support the response to human trafficking in any community.
Immunity for Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2019
Summarizes State laws on immunity from prosecution for persons who in good faith report suspected instances of child abuse or neglect. Immunity statutes protect both mandatory and voluntary reporters from civil or criminal liability that they might otherwise incur. The publication also discusses the provision of immunity for taking photographs or x-rays, performing medical examinations or tests, and participating in the investigation or prosecution of child abuse or neglect cases. Laws for all 50 States and territories are included.
The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System
Series Title
Issue Briefs
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
Provides child welfare professionals an overview of the importance of a trauma-informed child welfare system, its components, and steps needed to transition to trauma-informed child welfare. This issue brief also includes examples of State and local programs incorporating trauma-informed care.
The Indian Child Welfare Act: A Primer for Child Welfare Professionals
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2021
Provides caseworkers with an overview of current and historical issues affecting child welfare practice with American Indian and Alaska Native families; practice implications, including the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act; and cultural considerations.
Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2019
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.
Making and Screening Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2022
Discusses State laws and regulations that specify the procedures that State child protection agencies must follow when responding to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. The issues addressed include individual responsibility to report, content of reports, screening reports, investigation procedures, timeframes for completing investigations, and classification of investigative findings. Special procedures for handling child fatalities and substance-exposed children also are addressed.
Parental Substance Use as Child Abuse
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
Discusses laws and policies that address the issue of substance use by parents. One major area of concern is responding to the care and treatment needs of substance-exposed infants. Another major concern is addressing the harm that a child of any age can suffer when a parent's use of alcohol or other substances leads to neglect of the child or the child is exposed to illegal drug activity. Full-text excerpts of laws for all States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories are included.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: A Primer for Child Welfare Professionals
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2019
Helps child welfare professionals gain a better understanding of parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), including which clients should be referred for this approach, how it is implemented, and resources for additional information. PCIT is a family-centered treatment approach for children ages 2–7 with disruptive behavior and has also been used with abused and at-risk children ages 2–12. It is an appropriate therapy for all caregivers—birth parents, adoptive parents, or foster or kin caregivers—and includes the treatment of both the parent and child together along with live coaching. One of PCIT's benefits is that it can help reduce the risk for child maltreatment.
Parenting a Child or Youth Who Has Been Sexually Abused: A Guide for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Series Title
Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2018
Discusses how you can help children and youth in your care by educating yourself about child sexual abuse, understanding the impact of the abuse, establishing guidelines for safety and privacy in your family, and seeking help if you need it. Reading this factsheet alone will not guarantee that you will know what to do in every circumstance, but you can use it as a resource for some of the potential challenges and rewards that lie ahead.
Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma
Series Title
Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2014
Discusses the nature of trauma, especially abuse or neglect, the effects of trauma on children and youth, and ways to help a child who has experienced trauma. Parents or foster parents who do not understand the effects of trauma may misinterpret their child’s behavior, and attempts to address troubling behavior may be ineffective or, in some cases, even harmful. By understanding trauma, parents and foster parents can help support a child’s healing, the parent-child relationship, and their family as a whole.
Parenting Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Abuse or Neglect
Series Title
Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2018
Intended to help parents (birth, foster, and adoptive) and other caregivers better understand the challenges of caring for a child or youth who has experienced maltreatment and learn about available resources for support.
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
Year Published
2018
Provides information on how communities, community leaders, and individual citizens can strengthen families, protect children, and prevent child abuse and neglect.
Promoting Protective Factors for Children and Youth in Foster Care: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2015
Presents information from a review of current research linking protective factors to well-being for children and youth in and transitioning out of foster care. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of children and youth in foster care, creating a community that supports the well-being of children and youth in care, strategies for practitioners, and resources for more information. This factsheet is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children Youth and Families.
Promoting Protective Factors for Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2015
Presents information from a review of current research linking protective factors to well-being for children exposed to domestic violence. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of children exposed to violence; how parents, guardians, and others can contribute to the well-being of these children; creating supportive communities; and strategies for practitioners. This publication is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
Promoting Protective Factors for In-Risk Families and Youth: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2015
Presents information from a review of current research linking protective factors to well-being for the five in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF): children exposed to domestic violence, homeless and runaway youth, pregnant and parenting teens, victims of child abuse and neglect, and youth in and aging out of foster care. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of children and youth; how parents, guardians, and others can contribute to the well-being of these children; and strategies for practitioners. A model framework for organizing and applying protective factors is included, as well as a table listing specific protective factors for ACYF populations by level of influence. This publication is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by ACYF.
Promoting Protective Factors for Pregnant and Parenting Teens: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2015
Presents information from a review of current research on specific protective factors that carry moderate or strong association with improved well-being for pregnant and parenting teens. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of teens who are pregnant and/or parenting; how parents, guardians, friends, and others can contribute to the well-being of these teens; creating supportive communities; and strategies for practitioners. This publication is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
Promoting Protective Factors for Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Guide for Practitioners
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Development Services Group, Inc.; Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2015
Presents information from a review of current research on specific protective factors that carry moderate or strong association with improved well-being for victims of child abuse and neglect. Topics include individual skills and capacities that can improve the well-being of children who have been abused or neglected; how parents, guardians, friends, and other adults can contribute to the well-being of these children and youth; strategies for practitioners; and resources for more information. This publication is part of a series of five factsheets for practitioners exploring the importance of protective factors in working with in-risk populations served by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
Protective Factors Approaches in Child Welfare
Series Title
Issue Briefs
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
Provides an overview of national protective factors approaches to prevent child abuse and neglect. It is designed to help child welfare professionals, administrators, service providers, policymakers, and other interested individuals understand the concepts of protective and risk factors in families and communities and learn ways in which building protective factors can help lower the risk of child abuse and neglect now and in the future.
Review and Expunction of Central Registries and Reporting Records
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2018
Examines State laws and procedures that provide persons who are named as alleged perpetrators in central registry reports the right to review the records and to request administrative hearings to contest the findings and have inaccurate records removed from the registry. Laws that provide for the expunction of old or unsubstantiated reports also are discussed. Summaries of relevant laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
Supporting Brain Development in Traumatized Children and Youth
Series Title
Bulletins for Professionals
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2017
Summarizes the effects of early trauma on brain development and steps child welfare professionals can take to screen for developmental delays and identify the trauma-affected children and youth in their care. Looks at ways to access cross-sector, therapeutic, and evidence-based treatment to encourage healthy recovery for trauma-affected children and youth.
Tip Sheets for Parents and Caregivers (from 2019/2020 Prevention Resource Guide)
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
This set includes 23 tip sheets written to help service providers offer guidance to parents and caregivers on specific issues, while supporting factors known to protect families from the risk of child abuse and neglect. Each easy-to-read factsheet focuses on concrete steps parents can take to care more effectively for their children and strengthen their family.
Understanding Child Welfare and the Courts
Series Title
Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2016
Provides families involved with the child welfare system an overview of the court process. This factsheet answers frequently asked questions about parental rights and offers suggestions on how to prepare for and respond to court proceedings. It also includes information on filing an appeal, a glossary of court terms, and recommended resources.
Understanding the Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development
Series Title
Issue Briefs
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2015
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.
The Use of Safety and Risk Assessments in Child Protection Cases
Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2022
Discusses State laws and policies that provide guidance to caseworkers for conducting safety and risk assessments of families and children who are the subjects of child abuse and neglect reports. Other issues discussed include safety planning, assessments of family strengths and needs, ongoing assessments over the life of the case, and assessments required for reunification or case closure.
What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Disponibilidad
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.
What Is Child Welfare? A Guide for Domestic Violence Services Advocates
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2020
Provides an overview of basic child welfare services, describes how domestic violence services (DVS) and child welfare professionals can support one another’s efforts in working with families, and lists resources for more information.
What is Child Welfare? A Guide for Law Enforcement
Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
Year Published
2018
Helps law enforcement agents understand the work of child welfare professionals and how a mutually beneficial relationship is in the best interest of children, families, and communities. Discusses the importance of information-sharing and cross-training and Includes a list of helpful resources.