It is written for professionals in the law, medicine, health-related fields, law enforcement, and education, as well as for students, volunteer child and family advocates, and concerned citizens. The glossary explains both terms which are unique to child abuse and neglect and terms relating to child abuse and neglect but which also have wider applications. In the former instance, it provides exhaustive explanations and commentary on significant issues. For example, Federal standards on the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect are detailed under the section on legal rights of persons identified in abuse and neglect reports. In the latter instance, the glossary provides explanations which may be generic or which may, because of space limitations, be only that explanation which is relevant to child abuse and neglect. For example, day treatment, custody hearings, enuresis, and public defender are among the terms briefly described. Where terms have different meanings in different professions, all of the explanations are provided with the applicable professions identified. In addition, the glossary lists the addresses and functions of State, Federal, and private agencies concerned with child welfare and abuse and neglect prevention, intervention, and treatment. Diagrams, a list of acronyms, and 31 references are included. (Author abstract modified)