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Abuse and Neglect

Related Terms •Maltreatment •Sexual Abuse •Sexual Abuse Symptomology

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Definition: Physical, sexual and/or emotional maltreatment. Child abuse and neglect is defined as any recent act or failure to act resulting in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation of a child (a person under the age of 18, unless the child protection law of the State in which the child resides specifies a younger age for cases not involving sexual abuse) by a parent or caretaker (including any employee of a residential facility or any staff person providing out-of-home care) who is responsible for the child's welfare. Abuse and neglect are defined in both Federal and State legislation. The Federal CAPTA legislation provides a foundation for States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that characterize maltreatment. This legislation also defines what acts are considered physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse maltreatment.

Also Known As: Child abuse

Related Resources:

False Abuse Allegations, Adoption, and Foster Care
Child abuse is a national tragedy and greatly under-reported; however, many people do not realize that one-third to one-half of all child abuse alerts turn out to be unfounded or mistaken. False abuse allegations can destroy families and ultimately hurt the children who make the accusations. Dr. Rita Laws provides valuable information for adoptive and foster parents about why these allegations may occur, what they can do, and where to find help.

Elsewhere on the Web:

Parenting the Sexually Abused Child
Advice, guidance and resources for adoptive and prospective parents from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

Parenting Traumatized Adopted Children
A look at what constitutes trauma, and some loving parenting techniques to help, by Dee M. Paddock, M.A., NCC.

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Source/Adapted from: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

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