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
Who is required to report child abuse and neglect? Review these State statutes and training resources:
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Mandated Reporting
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Offers information on mandated reporting laws, and how to report concerns of child abuse and neglect.
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
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.