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NEGLECT
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      • Philosophy and Key Elements of Family-Centered Practice
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      • Introduction to Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect
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      • Assessment in Child Protection
      • Differential Response in Child Protective Services
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      • Responding to Child Maltreatment Near Fatalities and Fatalities
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  • Introduction to Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect

Introduction to Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect

Responding to child abuse and neglect involves protecting children from harm and supporting families to reduce the risk of future harm to children. When a family comes to the attention of child welfare services, various assessments of risk, safety, child and family functioning, and trauma occur during the intake process. Deciding whether to move a case forward for investigation, assessment, or service referral is one of the most important roles of a child protection agency. 

On this page, find answers to frequently asked questions about reporting suspected child maltreatment and information on casework practice that can help child protection staff.

  • Looking to report child maltreatment? 
  • Looking for information on child protection casework practice? 

Looking to report child maltreatment? 

How to Report Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Provides information on how to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
View
Download (PDF - 276KB)
Order (Free)
Disponibilidad
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Versión para imprimir (PDF - 312KB)
Ordene (Gratis)
Year Published
2019
Outlines the legal definition of child abuse and neglect; the different types of abuse and neglect; and the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, including human trafficking. It also includes information on how to effectively identify and report maltreatment and refer children who have been maltreated as well as additional resources.

Who is required to report child abuse and neglect? Review these State statutes and training resources: 

Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
View
Download (PDF - 600KB)
Year Published
2019
Discusses laws that designate the groups of professionals that are required to report cases of suspected child abuse and neglect. The factsheet also addresses reporting by other persons, the responsibilities of institutions in making reports, standards for making a report, and confidentiality of the reporter's identity.

State Training Resources for Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway
Includes links to State agencies, university-sponsored, and child welfare partner websites featuring online training courses, videos, toolkits, guidelines, and protocols to assist mandated reporters (e.g., social services, education, law enforcement, child day care, and health care), parents, other related professionals, and concerned citizens in preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse.

Mandated Reporting
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Offers information on mandated reporting laws, and how to report concerns of child abuse and neglect.

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Looking for information on child protection casework practice? 

Find information on decision-making, case management, interviewing, safety and risk assessments, and more. 

Child Protection Casework Practice 
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Summarizes child protective services casework practice and best practices to engage with families.

Making and Screening Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect

Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
View
Download (PDF - 370KB)
Year Published
2022
Discusses State laws and regulations that specify the procedures that State child protection agencies must follow when responding to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. The issues addressed include individual responsibility to report, content of reports, screening reports, investigation procedures, timeframes for completing investigations, and classification of investigative findings. Special procedures for handling child fatalities and substance-exposed children also are addressed.

Decision-Making in Child Protection 
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Examines child welfare decision-making and provides tools to enhance decision-making skills.

Interviewing and Safety and Risk Assessment During Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations 
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Offers resources on interviewing, safety and risk assessments, and more.

Review collaborative and alternative responses to child maltreatment: 

Collaborative Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect 
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Reviews cross-system collaborations in responding to child abuse and neglect.

Differential Response in Child Protective Services 
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Presents information on alternative response pathways for child maltreatment reports.

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Spotlight On

Childhelp National Child Abuse Helpline

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline

Child Maltreatment 2019
United States. Children's Bureau.
(2021)

Contact Information for Local and County Welfare Agencies

State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers

Related Content

Identification of Child Abuse & Neglect

Diverse Populations and Communities

Strategies for Reducing Inequity

Racial Equity Resources for Child Welfare Professionals

More From Our Library

2018 to Present

Screening reports of child abuse and neglect

Safety and risk assessment

Differential response

Decision-making in child protection

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