The problems of child physical abuse and neglect are described, including historical and epidemiological information and the characteristics of maltreating parents and families. Also discussed are assessment methods as they apply to case conceptualization and treatment. Interventions to address the needs of abusive and neglectful parents and prevent the recurrence of maltreatment are described as well. In addition, issues in the clinical management of the problems and treatment of abusing and neglecting families are discussed. In recent decades, professional and societal awareness of the extent and seriousness of child physical abuse and neglect has increased dramatically. During this time, much research evidence has accumulated to describe child maltreatment as a multidimensional problem with multiple causes that requires comprehensive, individualized treatment. The multiproblem nature of maltreating families presents a wide variety of assessment and treatment difficulties for clinicians and researchers. Despite the difficulties, much has been learned about the causes, consequences, assessment, and treatment of child physical abuse and neglect in recent years; however, because of the heterogeneity of the problem and the complexities of the research, there is still much to learn. 100 references