This report examines causes and effects of child neglect and provides information that can be used to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. The report discusses the different definitions of neglect; the incidence and prevalence of neglect; assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies that can be used by Child Protective Services and other agencies to treat and prevent neglect; and the implications for public policy that neglect, and the prevention of neglect, have on the development, provision, funding, and implementation of social programs and services.

This manual aims to help caseworkers improve their assistance to children and families in crisis. Sections define and identify the phases of a crisis; highlight client feelings during a crisis and discuss the psychological effects of crises; and outline the goals of crisis intervention, including a nine-step crisis intervention model. The manual offers suggestions for involving the entire family in the crisis intervention assessment process; examines treatment approaches and techniques; addresses issues relevant to a spectrum of family situations and challenges; and gives suggestions for termination and follow-up. The manual also identifies the professional supports needed by crisis intervention workers and describes family-centered crisis response models.

This manual provides an overview of how to identify parental substance abuse, assess the strengths and needs of families, develop service plans, and implement strategies for helping children of substance-abusing parents. The manual also addresses reporting obligations, comprehensive family assessment, and juvenile court involvement. Innovative approaches to intervention are described, and a glossary of terms and list of resources are provided.

This manual provides guidance to State, local, and military law enforcement officials as well as Tribal police agencies regarding intervention in and investigation of child abuse and neglect cases. It explains the roles of law enforcement, nature of team investigations, investigative process, relationships with other disciplines, interview techniques, and specialized types of investigations. Topics include risk assessment, removal from home, interviewing tools, cross-cultural investigations, foster care, investigation of child deaths, monitoring telephone or personal conversations, polygraph evaluations, and arrest issues. A glossary of terms and a selected bibliography are provided.

This manual provides mental health professionals with a knowledge base about preventing and treating child abuse and neglect and helps them understand their roles and responsibilities in this area. Sections provide information on mental health disciplines and child abuse intervention, identify the roles of the mental health professional who works with maltreated children and their families, and describe the responsibilities of the mental health professional. Sections also provide operational definitions of abuse, summarize the problems associated with various forms of child maltreatment, and explain forensic and clinical evaluations; address mental health treatment issues and models as they relate to incestuous and neglecting families; and examine treatment modalities. Appendices identify crime victim compensation and victim assistance programs.