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Child abuse and neglect is a difficult subject to think about, but it is one that all staff members, regardless of their roles, 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 obligations 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. As a support staff member, it is important that you understand the common signs and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect. This lesson will help you to recognize the signs that abuse or neglect might be occurring at home or in the program.

All program staff members are mandated reporters. 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 might feel traumatized by the experience as well. 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 covered in the previous lessons. It will identify strategies for strengthening all families, including those affected by abuse or neglect.