Overview

Prevention is the best hope for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families. Strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community. The following resources discuss the framework for child abuse and neglect prevention, provide information on what to do when children are at risk for abuse or neglect, and link to State, Federal, and national organizations that support prevention initiatives.

• What is prevention and why is it important?
• Framework for prevention of child maltreatment
• When children are at risk
• Related organizations

Emerging Practices in the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (PDF - 2,338 KB)
Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau (2003)
Identifies best practices in the field of child abuse prevention. Provides an overview of child abuse prevention and describes each of the selected programs.

National Advisory Network 2010: Summary (PDF - 163 KB)
FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (2011)
Presents recommendations from a collaborative effort of 17 professionals and experts on child abuse and neglect to gather a picture of the future of child abuse prevention, explore how CBCAP Leads can best prepare for that future, and inform training and technical assistance for CBCAP Leads.

National Prevention Strategy: America's Plan for Better Health and Wellness (PDF - 4,893 KB)
National Prevention Council (2011)
Presents a vision, goals, recommendations, and action items that public, private, nonprofit organizations, and individuals can take to reduce preventable death, disease, and disability in the United States. The strategy was developed by a council of 17 Federal agencies with consultation from outside experts and stakeholders.