Child abuse is defined as an act, committed by a parent or person caring for a child, which is not accidental and which harms or threatens to harm the child's physical or mental health. Child neglect refers to an act of ommission or the failure to provide for the child's basic needs and proper level of care with respect to food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medical attention and supervision. In 1982, 929,000 abuse cases were reported in the United States. Preventative measures include knowledge of the State's child abuse law and reporting procedures and development of a support network. Long-term solutions are listed, and abusive parents can take to get help are included. Thirty-one information resources are provided.