A review of governmental concern about the maltreatment of children in out-of-home care in the United States indicates that, although there is some Federal concern and initiative, there is not the strong State commitment to this problem that characterized the familial child abuse movement of the 1970's. This should not prevent appropriate professionals from addressing the specialized purpose and scope of out-of-home care investigations and developing procedures, practice standards, and policies which counter this pervasive problem. Ideally, States should develop specialized units supervised by a designated independent agency to conduct investigations in out-of-home care. Such specialized units should include individuals knowledgeable in child protective procedures, licensing regulations, law enforcement procedures, and treatment. These units should have the authority, according to the child's treatment needs, to take immediate protective action and enforce corrective measures. 28 notes and references. (Author abstract modified)