Signs of child abuse aren’t always clear as types vary between physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect. The most critical step in any child protection response is how to recognize the different types of child maltreatment. Medical personnel, educators, childcare providers, mental health professionals, law enforcement personnel, the clergy, and other professionals are often in a position to observe families and children to identify abuse or neglect when it occurs. Private citizens, such as family, friends, and neighbors, also may identify suspected incidents of child maltreatment. A greater understanding of the risk factors and strategies for screening can help professionals working with children and families in identifying and assessing different types of maltreatment and high-risk situations.
Identification
Child Abuse Directory
WebMD
Provides an overview as well as indicators, risk factors, and exams and tests for determining child abuse and neglect. The guide also provides information on prevention and treatment options.
How to Identify Child Abuse Ages 0–5
The Whole Child
Presents common signs for different types of child abuse in children 0–5. The website includes information on how to identify child abuse in children ages 6–12 and children ages 13–18.
What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Screening and Assessment
Child Abuse Potential Inventory
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Describes the administration, alternate forms, and evidence base of a 160-item questionnaire designed to assess the likelihood of an individual physically abusing a child.
Making and Screening Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect
Screening Children
Stanford Medicine
Provides age-appropriate questions to ask preverbal and verbal children in order to screen for abuse and neglect. The page also includes questions to ask parents when practitioners suspect maltreatment.