What is Child Abuse?
What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
Each state provides its own definitions of child abuse and neglect based on minimum standards set by Federal law. This factsheet explains how child maltreatment is defined in the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Operational definitions of physical abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse also are included.
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
The best way to prevent child abuse is to help parents develop the skills and identify the resources they need to understand and meet their children’s needs and protect them from harm. This factsheet describes common activities of prevention programs, keys to successful prevention services, and protective factors that increase the health and well-being of children and families. It also lists simple things everyone can do to support families in raising safe and healthy children.
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/preventingcan.cfm
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms
The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. This factsheet lists general signs that may signal the presence of child abuse. It also includes signs associated with specific types of maltreatment such as physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment.
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm
Long Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect
The harmful effects of child abuse and neglect vary depending on a number of factors, including the circumstances, personal characteristics of the child, and the child’s environment. In many cases, child abuse and neglect have consequences for children, families, and society that last lifetimes. This factsheet provides an overview of some of the most common physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of child abuse and neglect, including findings from research supported by the Federal Government.
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/long_term_consequences.cfm
Leaving Your Child Home Alone
Every parent eventually faces the decision to leave their child home alone for the first time. This factsheet provides some questions for parents to consider before leaving their children home alone, as well as tips to help make the experience safe and successful for all.
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/homealone.cfm
Child Abuse and Neglect- General Information Packet
This information packet includes fact sheets about child maltreatment and the services available from the Child Welfare Information Gateway. The fact sheets review the definitions of maltreatment, child abuse and neglect prevention, and provide statistical information about the prevalence of child abuse and neglect and the characteristics of victims and offenders. Directories of federal clearinghouses, hotlines, state agencies, and other organizations that disseminate information about family and domestic violence and substance abuse are also inserted.
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/can_info_packet.pdf
Additional Resources on the Child Welfare Information Gateway Website:
Child Abuse and Neglect
www.childwelfare.gov/can
Defining Child Abuse and Neglect
www.childwelfare.gov/can/defining/
Laws and Policies
www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/index.cfm
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
www.childwelfare.gov/preventing
