Child Abuse: Intercepting Behavioral Health Issues

Childhood maltreatment is a global, national, state, and local problem. Child maltreatment is physical, sexual, or psychological abuse or neglect of any child younger than 18 years of age by his or her parent, caregiver, guardian or any adult that can cause death, injury, or impact to the child’s physical and mental health. Children are brought to their primary provider for routine well-child care. Screening tools are used during well-child care visits. Screening is part of routine pediatric care even if parents have no concerns. The pediatric primary care provider (P-PCP) routine screening for abuse and neglect, interventions, and advocacy will contribute to ensuring that children will grow up and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. This chapter presents the evidence that places children at risk for maltreatment, its consequences, and methods for screening, assessment, and care with a goal of intercepting the adverse effects of child maltreatment