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Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Know the physical, emotional, and behavioral warning signs that a child is at risk.
What you’ll learn
- Name the four major types of child maltreatment and how each tends to show up
- Identify physical, behavioral, and emotional warning signs
- Distinguish concerning signs from normal child development
- Respond calmly and supportively if a child discloses
- Document observations clearly, objectively, and without speculation
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- 1
Why your eyes matter
As a volunteer, you may see a child every week — at practice, at rehearsal, in the classroom, on the bus.
5 min Quiz Interactive - 2
The four types of maltreatment
Most states recognize four major types of child maltreatment.
6 min Quiz Interactive - 3
Physical warning signs
Physical signs are the ones people picture first — but they are also the easiest to misread in both directions.
5 min Quiz - 4
Behavioral & emotional warning signs
Because most maltreatment leaves no bruise, behavioral and emotional changes are often the clearest signals you will get — especially for neglect, emotional abuse,…
6 min Quiz Interactive - 5
Concerning vs. normal: avoiding false alarms
Children are messy, moody, and constantly changing — that is healthy development, not abuse.
5 min Quiz Interactive - 6
If a child discloses
Sometimes a child will tell you something directly — or hint at it.
5 min Quiz Interactive - 7
Documenting what you saw
A good report rests on a good observation.
4 min Quiz Interactive
Sources & further reading
- Child Welfare Information Gateway (Children's Bureau) — What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
- Childhelp — Child Abuse Statistics & the Types of Maltreatment
- Administration for Children & Families (NCANDS) — Child Maltreatment 2023 Report
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — About Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Darkness to Light — Identifying & Reporting Child Sexual Abuse
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