child abuse & neglect

Child abuse and neglect include acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that result in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. The five primary forms of maltreatment are physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, emotional maltreatment and exposure to domestic violence.

For a document that outlines definitions of frequently used terms in child abuse and neglect research, see the page with the glossary of social work and child maltreatment related terms.

You can get more information on the signs of child maltreatment from the Family Violence Initiative, operated by the Department of Justice of Canada. You can also contact Kid’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for further information.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or are looking for information about services for children or families experiencing difficulties you can contact your local child welfare authority. Click here to find the local child authority agency in your province or territory. Please visit our FAQs section to learn more about child abuse and neglect.

Title	Authors	Year Sort ascending
Household Composition and Characteristics in Maltreatment-Related Investigations in Ontario in 2008	Leslie, Bruce Lefebvre, Rachael Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico	2012
Early childhood development: Adverse experiences and developmental health	Boivin, Michel Hertzman, Clyde Barr, Ronald G. Boyce, W. Thomas Fleming, Alison MacMillan, Harriet Odgers, Candice Sokolowski, Marla B. Trocmé, Nico	2012
Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Families who have Experienced Family Violence: A Practice Guide for Child Welfare Professionals	Steering Committe Native Child & Family Services: Charlene Avalos Chiefs of Ontario: Lillian Baibomcowai-Dell Ottawa Inuit Children Centre: Karen Baker Anderson Native Women’s Centre of Hamilton: Linda Ense Métis Nation of Ontario: Shelley Gonneville Ontario Native Women’s Association: Betty Kennedy Weechi-it-te-win Family Services: Leona McGinnis Tikinagan Child & Family Services: Thelma Morris Ontario Native Women’s Association: Kathy Sky Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres: Terry Swan Writer Catalyst Research and Communications: Joan Riggs	2012
A Profile of Customized and Traditional Investigations in Ontario in 2008	Van Wert, Melissa Lefebvre, Rachael Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico	2012
CIS-2008 Major Findings Supplementary Tables: Caregiver Age by Primary Substantiated Maltreatment and Risk	Allan, Kate Lefebvre, Rachael Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara	2012
Characteristics of Children and Families who Receive Ongoing Child Welfare Services	Lefebvre, Rachael Van Wert, Melissa Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico	2012
Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba Annual Report 2011-2012	Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba	2012
Primary Category of Substantiated Child Maltreatment in Ontario in 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008	Van Wert, Melissa Smith, Carrie Ma, Jennifer Fallon, Barbara	2012
CIS-2008 Major Findings Supplementary Tables: Child Functioning Concerns by Primary Substantiated Maltreatment and Risk	Lefebvre, Rachael Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara	2012
A Profile of Unfounded Maltreatment Investigations in Ontario in 2008	Lefebvre, Rachael Van Wert, Melissa Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico	2012