The following resources offer State and local examples of how to identify signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
Child Abuse and Neglect: An Introductory Manual for Professionals and Paraprofessionals (PDF - 360 KB)
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (2005)
Provides an introduction to child abuse and neglect, prevention, reporting, and current issues.
Childhood Maltreatment Indicators (CMI): A Review of the Literature (PDF - 1,679 KB)
California Social Work Education Center (2014)
Informs the child welfare training system regarding the scope of childhood maltreatment, including identifying indicators of maltreatment on physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and commercial sexual exploitation of children. This report reviews the elements and risk factors of the five subtypes of childhood, organized according to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory.
Help Prevent Child Abuse (PDF - 384 KB)
New York Office of Children and Family Services (2007)
Defines child maltreatment, describes different types of child abuse, and discusses the physical and behavioral symptoms of abuse.
How to Know If Your Child Has Been Abused: Physical and Behavioral Indicators for Parents (PDF - 95 KB)
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (2005)
Reviews indicators of physical and sexual abuse and informs parents about what they can do when their child has been abused.
Indicators of Child Abuse/Neglect
New Jersey Department of Children and Families
Lists physical and behavioral indicators of child physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment. The information is presented in both English and Spanish.
Montana School Guidelines for the Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect, 2008-2009
Montana Child and Family Services Division (2008)
Provides information to educational professionals on reporting child abuse and neglect.
Oregon Medical Guidelines for Evaluation of Sexual Abuse in Children and Adolescents (PDF - 1340 KB)
Reichert, Keltner, Reilly, & Skinner (Eds.) (2nd Ed.) (2004)
Highlights advances in the evaluation of sexual abuse.
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: Questions Often Asked by Friends, Neighbors and Relatives (PDF - 944 KB)
Prevent Child Abuse New York (2006)
Provides reporting information about types of abuse, how a report is processed, confidentiality, and what else can be done to address the abuse.
Warning Signs for Child Abuse or Neglect
Massachusetts Department of Social Services
Describes physical and behavioral indicators and warning signs of child abuse and neglect.