An overview of child abuse and neglect considers definitions and the extent, causes, and effects of child abuse and neglect. The discussion of military stress in relation to child abuse and neglect addresses the military as an organizational and social system along with stress factors. Stress factors include mobility, separation, military/family conflicts, authoritative management style, high stress/high risk jobs, and the coincidence of military service and the child rearing years. Jurisdictional issues pertain to State and military cooperation in dealing with child abuse and the application of State reporting laws to military jurisdictions. Child advocacy programs are described for the Air Force, Army, and Navy. Among the activities considered in the model approach to military-civilian cooperation are identification and reporting, investigation, emergency response, assessment, service planning, judicial process, and services and case management. Appendixes contain a sample military/civilian agreement and reporting and emergency response procedures. 18 exhibits and 12-item bibliography.