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  • Identification, Screening, and Assessment of Child Abuse & Neglect

Identification, Screening, and Assessment of Child Abuse & Neglect

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

Series Title
Factsheets
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
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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.

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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

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.

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. 

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Spotlight On

Measurement Tools for Child Welfare

California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare

How You Can Help Someone Who Is Being Abused or Neglected
Child Welfare Information Gateway
(2018)
Child Protective Services: A Guide for Caseworkers
Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau.
(2018)

Related Content

Risk Factors That Contribute to Child Abuse and Neglect

Identification of Child Abuse & Neglect

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Safety and Risk Assessment

Sources for Screening and Assessment Tools, Instruments, and Measures

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