A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA MEDICAL SCHOOL DISCUSSED HOW TO INITIATE CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. THE MAIN CONCERNS WERE THE STIMULATION OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN CHILD PROTECTION PROGRAMS AND THE PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT; BOTH WERE CONSIDERED IN RELATION TO SOCIETAL TRENDS, GOVERNMENTAL STRUCTURES, AND ADULT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES. IN ORDER TO PROPERLY INTERVENE IN A FAMILY SITUATION, THERE MUST BE BETTER ALTERNATIVES TO OFFER TO THE CHILDREN; IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MUST BE STIRRED. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE EDUCATIONAL COMMISSION OF THE STATES DISCUSSED PROGRAMS THAT CAN BE INITIATED WITHIN SCHOOL SETTINGS AT BOTH THE LOCAL AND STATE LEVELS. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPORTING PROGRAMS WERE MADE REGARDING THE ROLE OF SCHOOL BOARDS, CHIEF STATE SCHOOL OFFICERS, DEPARTMENTS OF PUPIL PERSONNEL, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS, SCHOOL-BASED CHILD PROTECTION TEAMS, AND TEACHER ORGANIZATIONS. IT WAS STRESSED THAT SCHOOL SYSTEMS MUST GET INVOLVED IN THE IDENTIFICATION, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT BEFORE THE PROBLEM CAN BEGIN TO BE OVERCOME. (BAC)