Confusion in when to report is largely caused by the vagueness of child abuse reporting laws and the failure of child protective authorities to provide realistic guidance about reporting responsibilities. Abused and neglected children continue to die because they are not being reported to the authorities and because the wrong children are being reported. Efforts to encourage more complete reporting must be joined by efforts to reduce the harmfully high rate of inappropriate and unfounded reports. The first part of the book addresses the legal framework of child abuse reporting, focusing on liability for failure to report and protection for those who report. The second part examines factors to consider in deciding to report, including sources of suspicion, physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, endangerment and abandonment, psychological maltreatment, and parents with severe mental disabilities. The third part focuses on the reporting process, preserving evidence, emergencies, and monitoring investigations. The final part presents guidelines to aid parents if their child has been abused or if the parents have been reported. Appendixes list Federal and State organizations involved in child abuse prevention. 358 notes, 48 charts, 8 illustrations.