Societal factors said to compound the problem of child abuse are parental expectations and physical punishment, children's vulnerability, physicians' failure to report suspected abuse, and deteriorating social services. An overview of the components of State child abuse reporting statutes considers the purpose clause, defining child abuse and neglect, and mandatory reporting. Another legal issue addressed is the waiver of the right to privileged communications in child abuse cases, notably between physician and patient, husband and wife, social worker and client, as well as attorney and client. A brief description of a central register for reported cases of child abuse includes consideration of access to the register. Other topics reviewed include the courts' jurisdiction in child abuse cases, neglect proceedings, custody and guardianship, evidentiary issues, and the right to counsel for both child victims and parents in judicial proceedings. Legislation dealing with corporal punishment in public schools is also briefly reviewed. Remedial programs and policies described are (1) the involvement of physicians in a preventive role, (2) mass media public education, (3) parental stress centers, (4) lay therapists, (5) crisis nurseries, and (6) Parents Anonymous groups. Policy approaches recommended are addressing changes in social attitudes to discourage child abuse and ensuring the adequate representation of all class and ethnic groups in decisionmaking forums. Seventeen references are listed.