What is child maltreatment?Child maltreatment is any intentional harm
to a child. Child maltreatment includes neglect and abuse. - Neglect is when
parents or caregivers fail to ensure a child's health and well-being. Neglect
may result from not providing a child with appropriate shelter, schooling,
clothing, medical care, or protection from hazards. Child neglect is just as
serious as abuse and is more common than abuse. However, it is not unusual for
a victim to be both neglected and abused.
- Physical
abuse causes bodily injuries, such as cuts, bruises, burns, broken
bones, punctures, or damage to internal organs. Physical abuse can also harm a
fetus, such as when a pregnant woman has substance abuse problems or is injured
as a result of domestic violence.
- Psychological
abuse is a pattern of intentional verbal or behavioral actions or lack
of actions that convey to a child the message that he or she is worthless,
flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered, or only of value to meet someone else's
needs. Withholding emotional support, isolation, or terrorizing a child are
forms of psychological abuse. Domestic violence that is witnessed by a child is
also considered a form of psychological abuse.
- Sexual abuse is any act with a child that is intended to
sexually gratify an older child or adult. Sexual abuse is any sexual activity
that a child does not comprehend or consent to or that is against the law.
Exhibitionism, voyeurism, and exposing a child to pornography are types of
sexual abuse. Sexual abusers can be young or old, male or female, and usually
are family members (incest) or acquaintances of the child. Sexual abuse by a
stranger is relatively rare. Sexual play is not sexual
abuse. Sexual play is normal behavior between preadolescent children who are
not separated by more than 4 years of age and does not involve any type of
power, force, or coercion. Sexual play occurs when children look at or touch
each other's genitalia.
Children are not equipped with life experience and reasoning
abilities to understand that the abuse or neglect is not their fault. They can
suffer devastating developmental setbacks such as failure to thrive or
developmental delays (learning problems), physical
pain, and emotional anguish that lasts a lifetime. What should I do if I suspect that a child has been maltreated?If a child is in immediate danger or has been severely injured,
call 911 or other emergency
services. If you are concerned that a child is being maltreated or
neglected, call the police or local child protective services. You can make an
anonymous report if you wish. Also, your local hospital may help connect you to
local resources. Many hospitals have programs specifically related to child
maltreatment. What should I do if I am afraid someone close to me will harm my child?If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call
911 and get your child to a safe location.
If you are very concerned or afraid, arrange to stay in a safe place with your
child. This may be the home of a close friend or family member, or a domestic
violence shelter. A trusted health professional, a child abuse organization, or
the police can guide you to find resources in your area. If your partner or other caregiver has behaviors you are
concerned about, schedule a quiet time to talk with that person alone. Help
your partner learn about child development issues, such as by taking a
parenting class together. Create an action plan of what to do next should your
concerns become more serious. Are health professionals required to report suspected maltreatment?Health professionals and teachers, as well as those in other
professions related to the care of children, are required by law to report
suspected child maltreatment to the police or state
child protection services. Law enforcement personnel will investigate and
determine whether the situation requires prosecution. If convicted of a crime,
an abuser may have to serve a jail sentence. The role of the juvenile court is
to assure a child's safety and connect families to social services. Although official definitions of maltreatment vary, health
professionals in all 50 states are legally, morally, and professionally
obligated to evaluate any signs of abuse or neglect. How can I prevent child maltreatment?- Take parenting classes. Many quality courses
are available that can help you learn to effectively manage the demands and
responsibilities of parenthood. All parents need to know how to react to
difficult behavior effectively and nonviolently. These classes are especially
valuable if you have a history of being abused. Also, become familiar with
child development patterns so that your expectations of your child are
realistic. Talk to your health professional or call your local hospital to find
classes in your community.
- Learn stress-relief techniques. Taking
care of yourself—by exercising, eating well, and getting rest—can help keep
your stress level down. A variety of other strategies may also help, depending
on your background and interests. For example, you may find self-help books or
groups, religious organizations, or exercise classes such as yoga to be
helpful. Anger management classes or professional counseling may sometimes also
be needed.
- Teach your child the proper names for all the parts of
his or her body and which parts are "private." Encourage your child to tell you
if anything happens to a private part or if anyone wants him or her to do
something with a private part.
- Listen to your child. Learn to
recognize when something is bothering your child. Let him or her know it is
safe to talk about anything with you.
- Screen all your child's
potential caregivers and find out what they know about child health,
development, and care. This may include getting permission for a police
background check.
- Screen the television shows and movies your
child watches and the computer games he or she plays. Limit and monitor access
to Internet sites.
- Interact with and show concern for others.
Simple measures, such as knowing the names of your neighbors and their
children, can make a difference. Be an advocate for inexperienced and
overwhelmed parents. Child abuse becomes less likely if parents or caregivers
feel supported. Little things can help, such as offering to bring dinner for
overtired parents when you see a need. On a larger scale, you may encourage
parenting classes to be available in your community and support individuals or
organizations that help parents at risk of abusing their children. Also, be
familiar with the signs of abuse and neglect so you can recognize when there
may be a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions |
Learning about child abuse and
neglect: |
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Indications of
maltreatment: |
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Getting help: |
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Ongoing concerns: |
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Abused or neglected children often show both physical and
behavioral symptoms. Young children cannot talk about events. Older children
may not talk about the problem because they fear or want to protect the
offender, or they do not believe they will be taken seriously. Occasionally
children report abuse to an adult they trust. These conversations should be
taken seriously and acted upon. Some symptoms are specific to certain forms of
maltreatment. There are also general symptoms that can
occur with all types. General symptoms Certain general symptoms that may suggest that a child is
experiencing some type of maltreatment include: - Developmental
delays, which means a child does not reach developmental milestones as
expected, such as starting to talk or socialize with others.
- Regression, which is losing skills once mastered and moving back
to a earlier state of development.
- Failure to thrive,
which is when a child's growth pattern is not in a healthy range. Both weight
and height can be affected, but low weight for height and head circumference is
the most common symptom. Most cases of failure to thrive are the result of
problems with the immediate care of the child, the interaction between the
child and the caregiver (usually the mother), or the social and emotional
health of the caregiver.
- Unusual parent/child interaction. The
parent may be uninterested in the child; children may be especially sensitive
to the parents' moods and attempt to smooth over any potential conflict. Often,
this appears as a type of role reversal, with the child closely monitoring and
responding to the parent. Maltreated children may also fear their
parents.
- Poor mental health, such as exhibiting low self-esteem,
anxiety, depression, or suicidal tendencies.
- Sudden decline in
academic performance.
- Problem or inappropriate behavior. In some
cases, especially for a young child, unusual fussiness, fear, or lack of
interest in activities may be noticed. Other behaviors may be disruptive. These
are often learned; children often act out what they have seen or experienced,
such as violence or sexual activity. Older children may act out by being
promiscuous or running away.
Symptoms of physical abusePhysical abuse often results in cuts, bruises, burns, broken
bones, head injuries, and abdominal injuries.
These
types of injuries may indicate physical abuse when: - They are unlikely to have been caused by an
accident, especially for the child's developmental stage. Geometric patterns or
mirror (symmetrical) injuries are suspicious, as are those located on areas of
the body that usually are protected, such as the inside of the legs and arms,
the back, the genitalia, and the buttocks.
- Explanations change or
do not adequately account for how an injury occurred. The history of the injury
does not match the actual type of injury, its location, or how long ago it
occurred.
- Evidence shows that injuries have occurred
previously.
- Medical care for the injury is delayed.
Symptoms of psychological abuseA child who experiences psychological abuse has a parent or
caregiver who uses
tactics to hurt a child psychologically, such as by
saying demeaning words or by failing to be supportive. The emotional pain
caused by this type of abuse can devastate a child. An emotionally abused child
may: - Have little interest in what is going on
around him or her and not be eager to try new activities.
- Have
inappropriate responses to pain, other people, or changes in his or her
environment.
- Avoid a parent or caregiver.
- Act overly
fearful, angry, depressed, or anxious.
- Perform poorly in
school.
- Inflict self-injury or be self-destructive.
Symptoms of sexual abuse A child with
symptoms of recent sexual abuse may be reluctant to go
to the bathroom; show signs of discomfort or pain while sitting, urinating, or
passing stools; have discharge from the vagina or penis; or bleed through his
or her pants. Certain behaviors may also indicate sexual abuse. These
include:1 | Note: | Sexual abuse is very different from normal sexual play between
children. Sexual abuse is a criminal activity. It includes any sexual activity
that the child is not able to understand or consent to. This may include, but
is not limited to, obvious sexual acts (such as intercourse), fondling,
exhibitionism, voyeurism, and exposure to pornography. Sexual play involves preadolescent children within 4 years of
age of each other, who have similar developmental levels. No force, power, or
coercion is used, and the play is primarily touching and looking at genitalia,
driven by an innocent curiosity. |
Symptoms of neglectA child is neglected when he or she is not provided with
appropriate care. A child's general appearance, home environment, and behavior
patterns can show
signs
of neglect. A child who is neglected may be: - Significantly underweight or
overweight.
- Developmentally delayed.
- Obviously unhealthy, such as being sick or tired most of the
time.
- Dirty or have poor personal hygiene.
-
Inadequately clothed.
In the United States during 2002, approximately 1,400 children died
as a result of
child maltreatment.2
Survivors are vulnerable to long-term emotional damage. Typically, children are
abused at an age when they are not equipped with life experience and reasoning
abilities to understand that it is not their fault. They suffer developmental
setbacks, physical pain, and emotional anguish. Maltreatment in children
younger than 7 years of age may lead to permanent behavior and personality
changes. Children who are maltreated are at increased risk for abusing other
children and siblings and, later in life, their own children or elderly
parents. They are also at increased risk for becoming involved in criminal acts
as they get older. As adults, they will likely suffer from physical and
emotional problems. Physical effectsProlonged and repeated physical abuse can permanently damage the
body. Emotional effectsAll children who have been abused or neglected or who witness
domestic violence are at risk for developing mental health disorders, emotional
problems, and poor social skills. These problems may occur alone or in
combination. The effects of abuse or neglect are determined by its severity,
how frequently or for how long it occurs, and the relationship of the child to
the abuser. Mental health disorders that may result from abuse and neglect
include: - Anxiety
-
Depression.
- Borderline personality
disorder. A person with this mental health condition has difficulty
controlling his or her anger and impulses, has problems with unstable or
intense relationships, has a low sense of self-worth, and feels frantic anxiety
about being abandoned.
- Post-traumatic stress
disorder.
- Suicide or suicidal
thoughts.
- Dissociation. This is an unconscious
attempt at self-protection against an overwhelming and traumatic experience.
The mind separates itself from an event or the environment, such as blocking
out the memory, so it can maintain some degree of order and sense.
- Eating disorders, such as severely limiting calories
(anorexia) resulting in unhealthy weight loss.
Other emotional effects include: - Low
self-esteem, which is a person's core belief about
himself or herself. Children cannot process or understand what has happened to
them. They often unconsciously blame themselves and grow up with a poor
self-image, which affects their relationships with others.
- Anger,
hostility, defiance, antisocial tendencies, or criminal
behavior.
- Negativity. A person with a history of abuse or neglect
may have trouble adjusting to normal struggles.
- Substance abuse, such as using illegal drugs or
drinking alcohol excessively.
- Emotional detachment. A person may
have problems bonding, socializing, and developing friendships. This can result
in isolation and a failure to learn and develop sympathy, empathy and other
important emotion-based concepts.
- Impulsiveness. The person fails
to think and consider the consequences before acting. Often, this results in
reckless, risky, or antisocial activities, such as driving
dangerously.
- Issues with sexuality. Abused or neglected children,
especially those who are sexually abused, often have problems developing a
healthy sexuality as they reach adolescence and adulthood. Some may be sexually
promiscuous; others may be fearful and unwilling to risk any intimacy.
Living in poverty or near poverty is a major risk factor for
child maltreatment. People who live in poverty often
do not have the resources to properly care for their children. Caregivers may
have high levels of stress that makes them less able to deal with daily
challenges. Also, some children have extreme physical or psychological needs,
which can make parenting very stressful. Unemployment, single and inexperienced
parents, mental illness in a caregiver, poor housing, and substance abuse are
all risk factors. Risk factors for parents and caregivers- A history of poor impulse control, violence,
domestic violence, or abusing children.
- A
history of
substance abuse, which may include problems with
alcohol.
- Unrealistic expectations of a child and lack of knowledge
about childhood development.
- A high stress level that is not
managed in healthy ways. Common sources of stress include being a single or
teen parent or having several young children close in age.
- Lack of
support and isolation. Parents who lack financial, emotional, and other types
of support are more likely to abuse or neglect their children. A parent or
caregiver who also lacks access to community social services may be left to
deal alone with a variety of hardships.
- A history of having been
abused. Caregivers who themselves were abused as children, have low
self-esteem, are
depressed, or have other mental health problems are
more likely to react to stress with violence.
- A history of mental
health problems, such as depression.
Risk factors for childrenThe risk of abuse and neglect increases when a child has a
disability or other health issue, such as: - Prematurity. Babies born early often add
emotional and financial stress to a household by their need for longer and more
expensive hospital care and general vulnerability that requires close
monitoring once they are home. They may have persistent developmental
problems.
- A physical disability, such as blindness or being
confined to a wheelchair.
- Below-normal
intelligence.
- Developmental
delays.
- A difficult
temperament.
- Behavioral problems,
including
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
An insecure bond between parent and child is also a risk factor
for abuse and neglect. The failure to establish a close bond may be the result
of: - Parents not wanting the child.
- Birth of twins or
other multiples.
- Long hospitalization of the newborn and separation
from parents because of premature birth or health
problems.
- Challenges related to fostering or adopting a
child.
- Mental health problems in a caregiver. For example, a parent
who is severely depressed may unintentionally neglect his or her
child.
- A child's being born with a major health problem or
disability, such as blindness, deafness or
autism. These types of problems can make it difficult
for a parent to communicate or for the child to give and receive
affection.
Call
911 or other emergency
services immediately if you witness child abuse, believe a child is in
immediate danger, or see that a child: Call your child's health professional, law
enforcement, or children's services immediately if you: - Suspect an injury was caused by
maltreatment.
- Suspect that abuse or
neglect is placing a child's health at risk.
- Suspect that a child
witnesses
domestic violence within the family.
- Have
concerns that you, your spouse, or your significant other may lose control and
hurt your child.
If the child is not in immediate danger, call your local child
protective services, police, or a health professional if: ChildHelp, a nonprofit agency, provides telephone numbers and
information about how to report suspected or observed child abuse or neglect.
The national Child Abuse Hot Line number is 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
The U.S. Administration of Children and Families, under the Department of
Health and Human Services, has established a Children's Bureau that supports
the states in the delivery of child welfare services designed to protect
children and strengthen families.3 For more
information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic. In most states, child protection services are required by law to
investigate potential child abuse or neglect within 24 hours.
A
maltreated child who is taken to a health professional
will first have a general physical examination. The child's medical history
also is reviewed, and parents or caregivers are questioned about the child's
condition. A child who is able to talk will be separated from the caregiver to
be interviewed. Health professionals have a professional duty and legal obligation
to evaluate the possibility of abuse or neglect. Along with observing signs of
physical abuse or
neglect, a health professional may become suspicious
when: - The injury is uncommon or unlikely to be an
accident, especially for the child's developmental
stage.
- Explanations given by the parents or caregivers change or do
not adequately account for the child's condition.
- There was no
reported witness to the injury.
- Medical records document that
similar injuries or patterns of neglect have occurred.
- Parents or
caregivers delayed seeking medical help for the child without a credible or
appropriate explanation.
Signs of
sexual abuse may not be identified during a physical
exam. Not all types of sexual abuse leave physical signs. Also, many types of
sexual abuse injuries heal quickly. However, if a child is examined soon after
the incident, a health professional is more likely to observe and record the
symptoms and be able to take samples for lab analysis. Common tests Tests that are frequently used to help confirm or rule out
suspected abuse or neglect include: - Imaging tests such as
X-ray,
CT scan, or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These types of tests
can help determine whether a child's injuries include any broken bones. Some
tests may also show evidence of past injuries.
- Blood tests.
Prothrombin time,
partial thromboplastin time, and
platelet count can help determine whether a bleeding
disorder is present. This may help rule out abuse or neglect as a diagnosis.
Other blood tests can be used to look for signs of organ
damage.
- Urinalysis (UA), to check for blood in
the urine. If the test is positive, this may be a sign of internal
injuries.
- Specialized laboratory tests, to determine whether sexual
abuse has occurred. For example, sample cultures of fluids found in or around
the vagina may be taken and analyzed. If abuse has occurred within 72 hours of
the exam, forensic samples of certain body tissues, such as skin or hair, also
are taken.4
- Lumbar
puncture, also called spinal tap, which may reveal blood from a brain
injury.
- Eye examination by an
ophthalmologist to determine if damage has occurred
that indicates
shaken baby syndrome, also called intentional head
injury.
Other testsOther exams and tests performed to help confirm child abuse or
neglect vary depending on the specific medical problem suspected or observed.
For example, psychological testing may be requested for some children. Victims
of suspected sexual abuse may be tested for
sexually transmitted diseases. Other children in the care of a suspected abuser may also be
examined and have X-rays if law enforcement or medical personnel investigating
the case think it is necessary. When a baby's death may be related to
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), medical
professionals and police officers will conduct a
thorough investigation to rule out abuse or neglect.
These people are trained to be sensitive to grieving parents. No one is at
fault when a baby dies from SIDS. For more information, see the topic
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). DocumentationA child's injuries and related information are carefully
recorded. This documentation provides a detailed account of the injuries for
the child's permanent health record and usually includes photographs and
drawings of the injuries. Measurements (weight, height, and head circumference)
are also taken and recorded to help establish a child's baseline growth
pattern. Recording these measurements on growth charts can help identify
failure to thrive that sometimes is related to neglect. Neglect or other types
of abuse may not be diagnosed immediately.
The first treatment priority for an
abused or neglected child is to provide a safe
environment to prevent further harm. Early treatment gives a child the best
chance for physical and emotional recovery. This includes separating the child,
as well as any other children in the household, from the suspected abusive
parent or caregiver. Children who have higher-than-normal intelligence,
specific talents, counseling, and support from a trusted adult are more likely
to successfully manage the effects of their abuse. A wide variety of therapies may be used for both children and
parents. Specific treatment depends on the type of abuse, who inflicted it
(perpetrator), and in what setting it occurred. Health and legal professionals
work as a team to develop the most effective program using their training,
experience, judgment, and creativity.5 Treatment for physical injuriesTreatment for an abused or neglected child depends on the nature
of the abuse. If a child's injury or neglect has caused a life-threatening
condition, such as
shaken baby syndrome (also called intentional head
injury), treatment will be given in a hospital setting. Less serious physical
injuries, such as cigarette burns on the skin, will be treated on an outpatient
basis with scheduled follow-up appointments. Treatment for emotional injuriesCounseling is recommended for all children who are victims of
abuse or neglect. For very young children, this treatment may involve
play therapy. Counseling for children of all ages
usually addresses: - How they feel about
themselves.
- Their past experiences.
- Fears and concerns
they may have about the present and future.
Treatment for parents or caregiversParents or caregivers who have abused or neglected a child also
need treatment. The type of treatment depends on the specific abuse that
occurred. Some people need more education on effective parenting techniques.
Others may need treatment for other serious problems, such as: Parents who have lost custody of their children may regain it.
Whether they do so depends on the severity of the abuse or neglect and a
professional evaluation of their rehabilitation progress. In severe cases,
future contact between parent and child must be supervised. Sometimes all
parental rights are lost.
You can help prevent
child abuse and neglect by using techniques to help
you manage the responsibilities and stress related to parenting and daily life.
Regardless of whether you are a parent, you can help children by showing
concern for their well-being, volunteering when you are able, and being a
general advocate for them. If you are a parent or caregiver of children: - Learn and use effective
parenting and discipline techniques and avoid the use
of corporal punishment. Parenting classes are offered in
most communities. Ask your health professional or call a local hospital for
more information.
- Learn healthy techniques to resolve conflicts
and manage stress. For more information, see the topic
Stress Management.
- Ask for help when you
need it. Call a family member or friend to give you a break if you feel
overwhelmed. Investigate community resources that are available to help you
with child care or other necessary services; call a health professional or
local hospital for a place to start. Some communities have respite care
facilities for children, which provide temporary child care during times when
you need a break.
- Get treatment if you ever have been a victim of
abuse. Also seek help if you have problems with
depression, alcohol or
substance abuse, or
violent behavior.
- Increase your knowledge
of children's developmental stages. The normal pattern of
crying in a newborn is a common trigger for shaken
baby syndrome (also called intentional head injury). For more information, see
the Growth and Development topics.
- Remove firearms and other
dangerous weapons from your home.
To help children in your community: - Be aware of the children in your neighborhood.
Learn their names and show basic concern for them, such as waving to them or
asking about how they're doing at home and school.
- Relieve a
friend, neighbor, or relative who is feeling overwhelmed with child care and
other issues.
- Learn to recognize the signs of child abuse and
neglect.
- Advocate for services to help at-risk
families.
- Volunteer in child abuse programs.
When you suspect a child is, or is at risk of, being abused or
neglected, it is important to take action. Most abused children are not able to
help themselves. Certain people, such as health professionals, social workers, and
teachers, are required by law in all 50 states to report suspected
child abuse and neglect, usually to the police or
state child protection services. In some states, all citizens are mandated by
law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.3 In 2002, about 56% of the suspected child abuse reports were made
by professionals in the line of duty. The remaining 44% of referrals were made
by family members, neighbors, and other community members.2 Many people are unsure how to handle suspected abuse because
they: - Are not sure what acts are considered
maltreatment.
- Fear they will cause the child more
harm.
- Worry that they will falsely accuse a parent or
caregiver.
- Fear that they will become a victim themselves of
violence or harassment from the abuser.
- Are concerned they will be
sued.
Keep in mind that by reporting suspected abuse or neglect, you may
prevent a child from suffering serious injury, severe lifelong emotional
problems, or even death. You also can make reports anonymously. If you give
your name, it is kept confidential. A person who makes a report in good faith
is immune from lawsuits. Because in most states suspected abuse must be investigated within
24 hours, the risk of causing a child more harm by making a report is less than
if you do not report your suspicions. Investigators sometimes are not able to find enough evidence to
support suspected abuse. In this case, parents or caregivers may be referred to
social services to reduce the child's risk of abuse or neglect.
Organizations| American Academy of Pediatrics | | 141 Northwest Point Boulevard | | Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098 | | Phone: | (847) 434-4000 | | Fax: | (847) 434-8000 | | E-mail: | kidsdocs@aap.org | | Web Address: | http://www.aap.org | | | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a variety of
educational materials, such as links to publications about parenting and
general growth and development. Immunization information, safety and prevention
tips, AAP guidelines for various conditions, and links to other organizations
are also available. |
| | Child Welfare League of America | | 440 First Street, NW, Third Floor | | Washington, DC 20001-2085 | | Phone: | (202) 638-2952 | | Fax: | (202) 638-4004 | | Web Address: | http://www.cwla.org | | | Child Welfare League of America is an association of more than
1,100 public and private nonprofit agencies that assist more than 3.5 million
abused and neglected children and their families each year with a wide range of
services. The Web site offers parenting tips for all ages of children. |
| | Childhelp USA | | 15757 North 78th Street | | Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | | Phone: | 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) [Child Abuse Hotline] (480) 922-8212 [Headquarters] | | Fax: | (480) 922-7061 | | Web Address: | http://www.childhelpusa.org | | | Childhelp is a nonprofit agency that provides parenting advice,
child abuse prevention, and basic information about the normal growth and
development of children. In addition, Childhelp provides telephone numbers and
information about how to report suspected or observed child abuse or neglect.
Hotline counselors and referrals are available. The agency also supports abused
children through abuse prevention programs, preschool programs (including Head
Start), and community outreach. Other services include referrals to appropriate
residential treatment facilities, child advocacy centers, group homes, and
foster care. |
| | Children's Bureau | | 330 C Street, S.W. | | Washington, DC 20447 | | Web Address: | http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/index.htm | | | The Children's Bureau is a part of the U.S. federal government
within the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children
and Families. The Children's Bureau works with state and local agencies to
develop programs for protecting children and strengthening families. This
includes preventing the abuse of children in troubled families, protecting
children from abuse, and finding permanent placements for those who cannot
safely return to their homes. The organization's Web site provides many links
on how to report suspected child abuse and neglect, laws and regulations
regarding children and their care, and other issues regarding child
welfare. |
| | Children's Defense Fund | | 25 E Street, Northwest | | Washington, DC 20001 | | Phone: | (202) 628-8787 | | E-mail: | cdfinfo@childrensdefense.org | | Web Address: | http://www.childrensdefense.org | | | This organization produces information on many youth-related
issues, such as education, child care, health care, and juvenile justice. The
organization's Parent Resource Network (PRN) can help you find the resources you seek to become a more effective parent. |
| | National Child Abuse Hotline | | Phone: | 1-800-422-4453 | | | The National Child Abuse Hotline provides 24-hour support for
parents. It provides free information and advice, ranging from prevention of
child abuse to basic information about the normal growth and development of
children. |
| | National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
Information | | 330 C Street, S.W. | | Washington, DC 20447 | | Phone: | (703) 385-7565 1-800-394-3366 | | Fax: | (703) 385-3206 | | E-mail: | nccanch@caliber.com | | Web Address: | http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov | | | The clearinghouse is a national resource for people seeking
information on the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and
neglect, and related child welfare issues. |
| | Parents Anonymous, Inc. | | 675 W. Foothill Boulevard | | Suite 220 | | Claremont, CA 91711-3475 | | Phone: | (909) 621-6184 | | Fax: | (909) 625-6304 | | E-mail: | parentsanonymous@parentsanonymous.org | | Web Address: | http://www.parentsanonymous.org | | | Parents Anonymous encourages all parents to ask for help early to
effectively break the cycle of abuse. Parents Anonymous groups meet in local
community centers, churches, schools, housing projects, shelters, and prisons.
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| | Prevent Child Abuse America | | 200 S. Michigan Avenue, 17th Floor | | Chicago, IL 60604-2404 | | Phone: | (312) 663-3520 | | Fax: | (312) 939-8962 | | E-mail: | mailbox@preventchildabuse.org | | Web Address: | http://www.preventchildabuse.org | | | This organization provides information on topics related to child
abuse and neglect. It offers various programs on child abuse prevention, and it
also directs efforts toward increasing public awareness of child abuse and
neglect. You can find out whether your state has a local chapter by going to
the Web site. |
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