Resources in this section help child welfare professionals respond to suspected child abuse and neglect, assess the needs of families, and ensure that children are safe and protected. They include information on reporting suspected child abuse and neglect; intake, investigation, and assessment of reports; addressing trauma; and collaborative responses.
Introduction to responding to child abuse & neglect
Find answers to frequently asked questions about reporting suspected child maltreatment and information on casework practice that can help child protection staff.
Reporting
How to report suspected child abuse and neglect and mandated reporting requirements.
Assessment in child protection
Screening and intake, investigating reports, assessing safety and risk, responding to types of neglect and abuse, and recurrence of child maltreatment.
Differential response in child protective services
Also called alternative response or family assessment response, a system reform that establishes multiple pathways to respond to child maltreatment reports. Resources include examples of current State programs.
Child protection casework practice
Decision-making, safety planning, in-home services, and casework practice to engage with families. Includes evidence-based programs and a discussion on disproportionality in child protection.
Responding to child maltreatment near fatalities and fatalities
Investigating and responding collaboratively in cases of suspected child maltreatment deaths, including resources on child fatality review teams.
Trauma-informed practice
Understanding trauma; building trauma-informed child welfare systems; treating trauma; trauma training; and resources for caseworkers, caregivers, and families.
Collaborative responses to child abuse & neglect
Resources and information about collaboration among child welfare and human service organizations along with other communities responding to child abuse and neglect, such as law enforcement and medical professionals.