The book opens with a theoretical discussion that addresses fundamental principles in combatting child abuse and neglect. This is followed by a description of a comprehensive operational model to study the etiology, dynamics, and consequential issues of child abuse and neglect. This model suggests a multidisciplinary collaboration to draw upon the strengths of various intervention strategies. The remaining chapters are organized under three broad categories: the organization of care facilities, missions and functions of crisis centers, and legal foundations and their role within the communitywide service system. The discussion of the organization of care facilities focuses on a national survey of service facilities, establishing a local crisis center, shelter care, a volunteer corps, and a kitchen program. The examination of the missions and functions of crisis centers addresses national phenomena and typologies, prevention through crisis intervention, counseling, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Chapters on legal foundations discuss historical perspectives of children's rights and abuse/neglect, national trends in State laws for child protection, and cooperation between community agencies to foster children's legal rights. Chapter references and subject indexes.