A review of several studies focusing on the treatment of abusive parents indicates considerable progress in child abuse prevention. Research data suggest that a significant proportion of abusive families can be helped to alter abusive and coercive family interaction through individualized skill-based training. These findings have been the basis for developing early intervention procedures for high-risk parents and children and the expansion of intervention techniques aimed at developing child competence. Since child abuse involves social as well as family factors, skill training with these families should be supplemented with increased family social supports and life skills in areas beyond child management. The prevention of child abuse and the accompanying deterioration of family functioning will depend upon the increased involvement of fathers, greater community education efforts, alternative child care, and major national policy changes regarding family support and assistance in addition to child protection laws and sanctions. 2 tables, 5 figures, and 47 references.