The volume identifies physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect, persons who are required to report abuse, and items to consider in the development of child abuse prevention policies and procedures; a sample child abuse reporting form is included. Factors associated with child abuse are examined, including legal definitions of physical abuse, neglect, mental injury or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and fatalities. Prevalence data on child abuse are provided, and causes of child abuse are explored. Guidance for schools is offered that focuses on physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse, parental clues, and abuser characteristics and on the need to communicate with students about possible abuse. Consideration is given to confidentiality, liability for reporting, agency responses to reports of suspected abuse, school prevention efforts, and questions to address in relation to policy development and implementation. Sample policies, procedures, and statements on child abuse are provided. Community resources available in Oregon to facilitate child abuse prevention are identified. Additional information on the role of schools in sexual abuse prevention and intervention is appended. 27 references and 12 footnotes