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Frequently Asked Questions: Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect
Questions and answers
- What are the signs or symptoms of child abuse and neglect?
- What can I do if I suspect child abuse or neglect? How do I report child abuse or neglect?
- Can I make an anonymous report of abuse?
- How many children are abused and neglected each year?
- I believe child protective services has mishandled an investigation of abuse/neglect. What can I do?
General resources
- How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment
Also available in Spanish: Como puede reporter el maltrato de menores - How the Child Welfare System Works
Also available in Spanish: ¿Cómo funciona el sistema de bienstar de menores? - A Coordinated Response to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Foundation for Practice
(PDF - 4110 KB) - Child Maltreatment 2010
Frequently requested information
- Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms
Common signs that abuse or neglect may be occurring.
Also available in Spanish: Cómo reconocer el maltrato de menores: Los síntomas y los indicios - Leaving Your Child Home Alone
Addresses what to consider before leaving your child home alone, including tips and resources for parents. (PDF - 283 KB) - A Family's Guide to the Child Welfare System (PDF - 699 KB)
Addresses many of the questions that families face when they become involved with the child welfare system.
Also available in Spanish: Guía para la familia sobre el sistema de bienestar infantil (PDF - 889 KB) - Child Protective Services: A Guide for Caseworkers
Describes the roles and responsibilities of caseworkers and key decisions and issues at each stage of the child protective process. (PDF - 447 KB) - Supervising Child Protective Services Caseworkers
Describes the roles and responsibilities of child protective services supervisors and provides advice on how to be effective. (PDF - 4001 KB) - Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities: Statistics and Interventions
Discusses the occurrence and characteristics of child abuse-related fatalities, prevention and intervention information, and additional resources. - State Laws on Reporting and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
Summaries of State laws on mandatory reporting, immunity for reporters, and related issues. - State Laws on Maintaining Child Abuse and Neglect Records
Summaries of State laws on central registries, disclosure of records, and related issues.