Child abuse and neglect are defined in both Federal and State legislation. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. §5106g), as amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, provides the foundation on which State definitions are based. CAPTA established a minimum set of standards that define child maltreatment. Each State is then responsible for its own definitions of child abuse and neglect that meets these standards within its civil and criminal codes.

Child Welfare Information, a service of the Children’s Bureau, maintains an online searchable database related to selected State child abuse and neglect, child welfare, domestic violence, and adoption laws at http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/. This database is not intended to take the place of appropriate legal counsel.

For more information about the State Statutes database and publications, please contact Child Welfare Information Gateway by telephone at its toll-free number, 1.800.394.3366, or by email to info@childwelfare.gov.