This manual defines deprived children as those suffering from physical and emotional neglect and abuse. The judge's role in such cases is to exercise leadership and promote cooperation among various systems which serve deprived children, to protect the rights of all parties, and to insist upon appropriate intervention and treatment for each child. Effective court procedures require sensitivity to child victim needs, evidentiary and procedural reforms, specially trained attorneys and court workers, special volunteers, reasonable caseloads, and victim and family participation in dispositions. Child protection agencies should be prepared to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, and system improvements can enhance the detection of child abuse and neglect. Policies for out-of-home placement should reduce both the number and duration of such placements. Treatment and planning involve setting treatment requirements appropriate to each case, determining how to pay for treatment, ensuring the provision of community services, and using permanency planning. Prevention efforts should include support programs for new parents, for disabled families, and for children at risk.