The approach described incorporates a State-level policy or regulatory team similar to some community-based child protection teams. Such State institutional abuse teams must be capable of reviewing cases of identified and reported child maltreatment in residential child care settings after the investigation is completed. This makes the State team distinct from a purely diagnostic or investigatory team. The team may make policy, define procedures, and recommend legislation regarding the scope of the problem. The team can assist in defining institutional abuse and provide direction for identification and reporting procedures, investigation, corrective action, and plan monitoring. The team can also help determine whether the agencies involved in the investigation and treatment of abuse and neglect responded adequately and in a timely manner. The discussion focuses on team membership; case review factors; practical considerations; program, policy, and procedural recommendations; and interagency coordination and cooperation. 8 references.