Child Maltreatment and Brain Development: A Primer for Caregivers

Child abuse and neglect can change how a child's brain develops and cause long-lasting behavioral, emotional, academic, and other issues. Learning about how the brain develops and the effects of abuse and neglect on brain development can help caregivers better understand the children in their care and focus on ways to support them. This factsheet will provide caregivers—including parents, kin caregivers, foster parents, and others—with important information on brain development and how it may be affected by abuse and neglect. The factsheet also reviews how to work with caseworkers and others to make sure the child and their family receive appropriate services and supports. 

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2023). Child maltreatment and brain development: A primer for caregivers. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau. https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/brain-dev-caregivers/

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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