Child abuse and neglect is a difficult subject to think about, but it is one that all school-age staff members must be prepared to address. This lesson will introduce you to the concepts of child abuse and neglect. You will learn about your legal and ethical obligation to report suspicions of abuse and neglect. You will also learn about ways to prevent child abuse and neglect by identifying protective factors that strengthen families.

Child abuse and neglect can have a devastating impact on children and families. Sometimes the signs are obvious, but often they are subtle. This lesson will describe some common signs and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect. It will also help you learn to recognize signs of abuse or neglect that happen in home settings and institutional settings.

As a program staff member, you are a mandated reporter. This means that you are legally bound to report your suspicions of child abuse or neglect. It is your job to know the signs and make the call that could save a child’s life. This lesson will give you information to help you prepare for and make a report of child abuse or neglect.

Abuse and neglect are traumatic experiences for everyone involved.  If you witness abuse or neglect or are involved in reporting it, you can also feel traumatized by the experience.  This lesson will provide strategies for strengthening your own resilience through the protective factors framework.   

Families who have experienced traumatic events like abuse or neglect need support. This lesson will continue to describe the protective factors framework. It will provide strategies for strengthening all families including those affected by abuse or neglect.

School-age programs are complex places. Policies and procedures must be in place to protect children and staff from harm. This lesson will help you understand the policies that protect children from mistreatment. You will also learn about ways your facility and program policies protect you from false allegations of abuse or neglect.