In discussing joint child protective responsibilities, the first paper advises that both police and child-protective agencies must be aware of and work with various community services such as women's shelters, child abuse prevention and treatment programs, substance abuse programs, and various public and community health programs. The second paper focuses on the reporting of suspected child maltreatment. This paper argues that reporting responsibilities should be clarified and streamlined, so that those who report and those who respond to reports are clear about procedures. The assignment of investigative responsibility is examined in the third paper, followed by a paper on investigative procedures. Issues considered in the latter paper are concurrent and joint investigations, assistance to child-protective agencies, protective custody, and arrests. The fifth paper provides guidelines for building cooperation in a discussion of multidisciplinary teams and protocols for cooperation between child-protection and police agencies. The last paper outlines guidelines for police and child-protection services cooperation. 4 tables