Section 1 examines developmental issues (e.g., separation, peer relations, sexuality) of adolescence as they relate to maltreatment and treatment and system difficulties that impede the optimum functioning of agencies and institutions having contact with abused and neglected youth. Problems inherent in defining adolescent maltreatment also are surveyed. Section 2 provides descriptions of projects in Missouri, California, New Jersey, and Maine providing services to maltreated adolescents. Programs include emergency shelter programs, multiservice centers, child protective services for adolescents, and services for dysfunctional families. Section 3 discusses the Federal role in adolescent abuse and presents findings from evaluations of the four programs described in the preceding section. Also provided are data on patterns of maltreatment, abuse identification and reporting, family roles, drug and alcohol abuse as a factor in maltreatment, and reciprocal violence. Appendixes provide additional information on the four projects and the contributing authors. Chapter references.