The book contains three parts that deal with understanding abuse, working with abuse victims, and working with staff members, as well as a fourth part that identifies reference materials. The first part on understanding abuse considers the importance of program and service provider involvement in detecting and responding to child abuse, specific types of abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect), causes and indicators of abuse, and reporting concerns and requirements. The second part on working with abuse victims discusses procedures to follow when service providers suspect or discover child abuse, guidelines for assessing the veracity of abuse accusations, ways of assessing and dealing with reactions to abuse, and practical suggestions for working with victims. The third part on working with staff members examines staff screening and selection, staff training, characteristics of child abusers and sex offenders, and the importance of adequate documentation of child abuse incidents. Appendixes contain sample child abuse reporting laws and forms, sample health screening forms, a sample staff application form, lists of relevant resources, case histories, a checklist of possible abuse indicators, and information on the effects of child abuse treatment and intervention. References and figures