According to data compiled by the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, child maltreatment fatalities increased from 1,163 to 1,171 between 1987 and 1988. In addition to abusive parent-child relationships, domestic violence is also commonplace among these families. Drug and alcohol abuse is cited as a predominant factor in either reducing parents' ability to monitor their children or causing violent behavior. In addition to other problems plaguing abusive families, such as unemployment, poverty, and poor housing, the families also lack basic child development knowledge and parenting skills. Very young children constitute the largest victim group, with most child abuse fatalities involving children with an average age of 2.8 years. Child protective service agencies cannot be held responsible for all children who die from maltreatment, but child protective service workers managing excessively high caseloads coupled with inadequate training and resources cannot provide ideal case planning and supervision. Five prevention strategies warrant implementation: develop a wide range of interventions targeted to first-time parents, especially adolescent parents; improve the social infrastructure to promote better health care, education, employment, and housing for all families; provide all parents under stress with crisis services; improve case management; and provide more fiscal and professional support to child protective services. 7 references.