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This section  provides links to web sites related to child abuse.  They were taken from Abuse and Recovery Resources and are for your information only.  Quoted text is taken from the web sites listed.
The ABA Center on Children and the Law
"Improving Children's Lives through advances in law, justice, knowledge, practice, and public policy."
Advocates for Children
The CASA program got its start in 1977 when a Seattle judge created a unique pilot program to provide community volunteers -- called Court Appointed Special Advocates(CASAs) -- who gave children a
voice in court. Today over 960 agencies in every state of the nation provide CASA volunteers to
abused and neglected children in their communities.  A brochure explaining how Advocates for Children works is here.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Provides information on various aspects of child abuse.
American Humane
American Humane has a long and established history of protecting children from abuse and neglect. We support the development and implementation of effective community, state, tribal, and national systems to protect children and strengthen families. Through consultation, training, research and evaluation, advocacy, and information dissemination, American Humane continues its legacy of child protection. 
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
APSAC’s mission is to enhance the ability of professionals to respond to children and families affected by abuse and violence.   APSAC tries to fulfill this mission in a number of ways, most notably through providing education and other sources of information to professionals who work in the child maltreatment and related fields.
Best Interest's -- A Website for Children's Advocates
Best Interests is dedicated to providing news and resources to professional and volunteer children’s advocates, including Court Appointed Special Advocates, attorneys, social workers, judges, police officers, foster care parents, child therapists, and many others who speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children.
ChildAbuse.com
"Comprehensive resource bringing awareness & education in preventing child abuse and related issues. Childabuse.com was created to support, inform and encourage those dealing with any aspect of child abuse, in a positive non-threatening environment."
Child Abuse Council
"Since 1977, the Child Abuse Council has been working towards its mission to stop abuse that is occurring, prevent abuse before it occurs and rebuild the child and family after abuse. Through our programs, parents receive hands-on training, support and the information needed to face the many challenges and pleasures of raising healthy, happy and well adjusted children."
Child Abuse Prevention Association
"Our mission is to prevent and treat all forms of child abuse by creating changes in individuals, families and society that strengthen relationships and promote healing. The Child Abuse Prevention Association helps children and their families overcome the traumatic effects of child abuse, especially in child molestation. CAPA also provides educational programs designed to increase awareness of abuse and how to prevent it as well as providing case management and other support services to help create strong families and decrease the chances of abuse/neglect."
Child Abuse Prevention Network
"The Child Abuse Prevention Network <URL: child-abuse.com> is the Internet Nerve Center for professionals in the field of child abuse and neglect. Child maltreatment, physical abuse, psychological maltreatment, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse and neglect are our key areas of concern. We provide unique and powerful tools for all workers to support the identification, investigation, treatment, adjudication, and prevention of child abuse and neglect. Originally launched as an outreach effort of the Family Life Development Center, the Child Abuse Prevention Network is sponsored by LifeNET, Inc."
Child Molestation Research and Prevention Institute
"Our Goals
  • To drastically reduce the number of children who are sexually abused. 
  • To educate professionals who work with children about early diagnosis and effective treatment. 
  • To educate and support families. 
  • To train volunteers to teach primary prevention of child sexual abuse. 
  • To conduct research that focuses on the prevention of child sexual abuse."
Child Welfare Information Gateway
"Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. A service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services."
ChildHelp
"The mission of Childhelp is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children. Studies prove that child abuse has lifetime effects on its victims and society. Along with our friends and donors, we are united in our dedication to end the cycle of abuse."
Children Now
"Children Now is a national organization for people who care about children and want to ensure that they are the top public policy priority."
Children's Institute
"Children's Institute, Inc. (CII) helps children who have been affected by violence in their homes or communities. Since 1906, CII has been serving at-risk children and families throughout Los Angeles County. The agency provides healing and support so traumatized children can recover and lead healthy lives. We lead children away from tragic outcomes and on the path toward opportunity and achievement."
Circle of Parents
"Circle of Parents provides a friendly, supportive environment led by parents and other caregivers. It's a place where anyone in a parenting role can openly discuss the successes and challenges of raising children. Where they can find and share support. How? By sitting down and really talking. Circle of Parents groups meet weekly, are free of charge, and foster an open exchange of ideas, support, information and resources. These kinds of groups serve those parenting children of all ages and families of all types. There are groups across the country, and they operate under different names and organizations. But they are all there to help parents find support . . . Most groups have a free program for children as well. Ask your local group. Currently the Circle of Parents national network represents a partnership of parent leaders and 26 statewide and regional organizations in 25 states."
The Cost of Child Abuse vs. Child Abuse Prevention:  Michigan's Experience
"A state-level analysis of the costs associated with child maltreatment and its consequences was undertaken. These costs were then compared to the costs of providing child maltreatment prevention services to all first time parents. The costs of child abuse were estimated at 823 million dollars annually. These costs include those associated with low birthweight babies, infant mortality, special education, protective service, foster care, juvenile and adult criminality, and psychological services. The costs of prevention programming were estimated to be 43 million dollars annually. This yields a 19 to 1 cost advantage to prevention."
Darkness to Light.
"Our Mission
  • Shift responsibility for child sexual abuse prevention from children to adults 
  • Reduce child sexual abuse through adult-based education and awareness 
  • Provide adults with information to prevent, recognize and react responsibly."
Defense for Children International (DCI)
"DCI is an independent non-governmental organisation that has been promoting and protecting the rights of children for over 25 years. On a regional, national and local level, DCI is active through its national sections and associate members in 45 countries around the world, working on issues such as child labour, child combatants, child abuse and sexual exploitation, and juvenile justice. On the international level, through its International Secretariat based in Geneva , DCI focuses mainly only lobbying, research, networking and advocacy work, particularly relating to the theme of juvenile justice."
FindLaw
Child Abuse Information by State
FRIENDS:  National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
"FRIENDS, the National Resource Center for CBCAP provides training and technical assistance to Federally Funded CBCAP Programs. This site serves as a resource to those programs and to the rest of the Child Abuse Prevention community."
Health eCampus
Online courses on various aspects of child abuse.
Help Guide
Child Abuse:  Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Help.  This is a helpful article on various kinds of child abuse.
International Child Abuse Network
"Since its inception in 1995, the International Child Abuse Network has held itself to the following mission statement.  Working world-wide to break the cycle of child abuse."
International Society for Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
"Our Mission: To support individuals and organizations working to protect children from abuse and neglect worldwide."
Justice for Children
"Mission:  Justice for Children is a national nonprofit organization of citizens concerned about children's rights and their protection from abuse. Its mission is to raise the consciousness of our society about the failure of our governmental agencies to protect victims of child abuse, to provide legal advocacy for abused children and to develop and implement, on a collaborative basis where possible, a full range of solutions that enhance the quality of life for these "
Kempe Center.
"The Kempe Center Mission Statement
The Kempe Center will provide and improve direct clinical services, improve clinical service delivery systems, and provide training, education and consultation programs to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect in Colorado and throughout the nation.
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"The Kempe Foundation Mission Statement
The Kempe Foundation will increase awareness, engage in advocacy and secure and provide resources for the prevention and treatment of child abuse."
KlaasKids Foundation
"The KlaasKids Foundation was established in 1994 to give meaning to the death of twelve-year-old kidnap and murder victim Polly Hannah Klaas and to create a legacy in her name that would be protective of children for generations to come. Conceived with an initial investment of $2,000 the Foundation’s mission is to stop crimes against children."
LifeTips
Brief helpful tips related to child predators.
National Association of Counsel for Children
Child maltreatment is the general term used to describe all forms of child abuse and neglect. There is no one commonly accepted definition of "child abuse and neglect." The federal government defines child abuse and neglect in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act as "the physical and mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened."  Each state provides its own definition of child abuse and neglect.
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
"A resource since 1988, NDACAN promotes scholarly exchange among researchers in the child maltreatment field. NDACAN acquires microdata from leading researchers and national data collection efforts and makes these datasets available to the research community for secondary analysis. NDACAN supports information-sharing through its electronic mailing list and Updata newsletter and provides training opportunities to researchers through conference workshops and its annual Summer Research Institute."
The National Exchange Club Foundation
"The National Exchange Club Foundation is committed to making a difference in the lives of children, families and our communities through its national project, the prevention of child abuse. The NEC Foundation's most successful method of countering abuse is by working directly with parents through the parent aide program. The NEC Foundation coordinates a nationwide network of nearly 100 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers who utilize the parent aide program and provide support to families at-risk for abuse." 
Prevent Child Abuse America
"Since 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America has led the way in building awareness, providing education and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children. Working with our chapters, we provide leadership to promote and implement prevention efforts at both the national and local levels. With the help of our state chapters and concerned individuals like you we're valuing children, strengthening families and engaging communities nationwide."
The Tiger's Child
The Tiger's Child

What ever became of Sheila?

When special-education teacher Torey Haydenwrote her first book One Child almost twodecades ago, she created an internationalbestseller. Her intensely moving true story ofSheila, a silent, profoundly disturbed littlesix-year-old girl touched millions. From everycorner of the world came letters from readerswanting to know more about the troubled childwho had come into Torey Hayden's class as a"hopeless case," and emerged as the very symbolof eternal hope within the human spirit.

Now, for all those who have never forgotten thisendearing child and her remarkable relationshipwith her teacher, here is the surprising story ofSheila, the young woman.



Author: Torey Hayden
Mass Market Paperback:  288 pages
Company: Avon  (1996-05-01) (1996-05-01)
ISBN: 0380725444
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $3.95
Used Price: $1.95

A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive
A Child Called David J. Pelzer's mother, Catherine Roerva, was, he writes in this ghastly, fascinating memoir, a devoted den mother to the Cub Scouts in her care, and somewhat nurturant to her children--but not to David, whom she referred to as "an It." This book is a brief, horrifying account of the bizarre tortures she inflicted on him, told from the point of view of the author as a young boy being starved, stabbed, smashed face-first into mirrors, forced to eat the contents of his sibling's diapers and a spoonful of ammonia, and burned over a gas stove by a maniacal, alcoholic mom. Sometimes she claimed he had violated some rule--no walking on the grass at school!--but mostly it was pure sadism. Inexplicably, his father didn't protect him; only an alert schoolteacher saved David. One wants to learn more about his ordeal and its aftermath, and now he's written a sequel, The Lost Boy, detailing his life in the foster-care system.

Though it's a grim story, A Child Called "It" is very much in the tradition of Chicken Soup for the Couple's Soul and the many books in that upbeat series, whose author Pelzer thanks for helping get his book going. It's all about weathering adversity to find love, and Pelzer is an expert witness.

Author: Dave Pelzer
Paperback:  195 pages
Company: HCI  (1995-09-01)
ISBN: 1558743669
List Price: $11.95
Amazon Price: $2.16
Used Price: $2.08


Ghost Girl: The True Story of a Child in Peril and the Teacher Who Saved Her
Ghost Girl: The True Story of a Child in Peril and the Teacher Who Saved Her

Jadie never spoke. She never laughed, or cried, or uttered any sound. Despite efforts to reach her, Jadie remained locked in her own troubled world––until one remarkable teacher persuaded her to break her self–imposed silence. Nothing in all of Torey Hayden's experience could have prepared her for the shock of what Jadie told her––a story too horrendous for Torey's professional colleagues to acknowledge. Yet a little girl was living in a nightmare, and Torey Hayden responded in the only way she knew how––with courage, compassion, and dedication––demonstrating once again the tremendous power of love and the relilience of the human spirit.



Author: Torey Hayden
Mass Market Paperback:  320 pages
Company: Avon  (1992-05-01) (1992-05-01)
ISBN: 038071681X
List Price: $7.99
Amazon Price: $3.95
Used Price: $3.29

The Connected Child: Bring hope and healing to your adoptive family
The Connected Child: Bring hope and healing to your adoptive family

"An extremely useful parenting handbook... truly outstanding ... strongly recommended."
--Library Journal (starred review)

"A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike."
--Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption

The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family--and addressing their special needs--requires care, consideration, and compassion.

Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you:

  • Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child
  • Effectively deal with any learning or behavioral disorders
  • Discipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened

"A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children."
--Carol S. Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child

 

"Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat."
--Kathleen E. Morris, editor of S. I. Focus magazine

 

"Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise."
--Susan Livingston Smith, program director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

"The Connected Child is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions:  place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect,  'Calm down, you're not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.'  The sense of not facing these issues alone--the relief that your child's behavior is not off the charts--is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families."
--Melissa Fay Greene, author of There is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children



Author: Karyn B. Purvis, David R. Cross, Wendy Lyons Sunshine
Paperback:  288 pages
Company: McGraw-Hill  (2007-04-22)
ISBN: 0071475001
List Price: $16.95
Amazon Price: $9.14
Used Price: $9.44

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family
The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

Imagine a young boy who has never had a loving home. His only possesions are the old, torn clothes he carries in a paper bag. The only world he knows is one of isolation and fear. Although others had rescued this boy from his abusive alcoholic mother, his real hurt is just begining -- he has no place to call home.

This is Dave Pelzer's long-awaited sequel to A Child Called "It". In The Lost Boy, he answers questions and reveals new adventures through the compelling story of his life as an adolescent. Now considered an F-Child (Foster Child), Dave is moved in and out of five different homes. He suffers shame and experiences resentment from those who feel that all foster kids are trouble and unworthy of being loved just because they are not part of a "real" family.

Tears, laughter, devastation and hope create the journey of this little lost boy who searches desperately for just one thing -- the love of a family.



Author: Dave Pelzer
Paperback:  250 pages
Company: HCI  (1997-08-01)
ISBN: 1558745157
List Price: $12.95
Amazon Price: $2.91
Used Price: $0.62

Turning Stones: My Days and Nights with Children at Risk: A Caseworker's Story
Turning Stones: My Days and Nights with Children at Risk: A Caseworker's Story Marc Parent worked for four years as a caseworker for Emergency Children's Services in New York, acting as the final protector of children from abusive parents, as "the one on the front line--the last hope for a kid in trouble." His job was to make house calls and decide if a child needed to be removed at once. He has selected eight cases illustrating the extreme pressures of the work and indicating why it is that the system so often fails in its mission. He recounts unsparingly how three years into his job he made a fatal mistake, failing to recognize the plight of a little boy who later died of starvation. This compelling account is an important documenting of the weaknesses of the child support system.

Author: Marc Parent, Anna Quindlen (foreword)
Paperback:  400 pages
Company: Ballantine Books  (1998-01-27) (1998-01-27)
ISBN: 0449912353
List Price: $14.95
Amazon Price: $7.93
Used Price: $5.73

I Never Told Anyone: Writings by Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
I Never Told Anyone: Writings by Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse A reissue of the now-classic anthology (with more than 60,000 copies sold) of deeply moving testimonies by survivors of child sexual abuse--with a new afterword by Ellen Bass, co-author of The Courage to Heal.

Author: Ellen Bass
Paperback:  288 pages
Company: Harper Paperbacks  (1991-04-10) (1991-04-10)
ISBN: 0060965738
List Price: $13.95
Amazon Price: $6.97
Used Price: $6.40

Please Tell!: A Child's Story About Sexual Abuse (Early Steps)
Please Tell!: A Child's Story About Sexual Abuse (Early Steps) Written and illustrated by a young girl who was sexually molested by a family member, this book reaches out to other children in a way that no adult can. Jessie's words carry the message, "It's o.k. to tell; help can come when you tell."

This book is an excellent tool for therapists, counselors, child protection workers, teachers, and parents dealing with children affected by sexual abuse.

Jessie's story adds a sense of hope for what should be, and the knowledge that the child protection system can work for children. Simple, direct, and from the heart, Jessie gives children the permission and the courage to deal with sexual abuse.

"Please Tell! is a beautifully simple book with a profoundly important message for children who have been sexually abused: the abuse wasn't their fault. Written and illustrated by Jessie, herself a pre-teen survivor of sexual abuse, it tells kids just what to do to get the help they need."
Kristin A. Kunzman, abuse therapist and author of The Healing Way: Adult Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse



Author: Jessie Ottenweller
Paperback:  32 pages
Company: Hazelden  (1991-07-01)
ISBN: 0894867768
List Price: $10.95
Amazon Price: $5.92
Used Price: $6.64

A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness
A Man Named Dave: A Story of Triumph and Forgiveness The third tale in David Pelzer's autobiographical trilogy, A Man Named Dave is an inspiring story of terror, recovery, and hope experienced by the author throughout his life. Known for his work as a child abuse advocate, Pelzer has been commended by several U.S. presidents and international agencies, and his previous memoirs of growing up as an abused child (A Child Called "It" and The Lost Boy) have touched thousands of lives. He provides living proof that we can "stop the cycle" and lead fulfilling, rewarding lives full of healthy relationships. Ultimately triumphant, this book will have you living through the eyes of a terrified child, a struggling young man, and an adult finally forgiving his dying father--reading with tissues nearby is recommended. Ending with a touching conversation between the author and his own son, you'll finish reading this with a warm heart and an enriched understanding of the need for compassion in all parts of life. --Jill Lightner

Author: Dave Pelzer
Paperback:  352 pages
Company: Plume  (2000-09-01) (2000-09-05)
ISBN: 0452281903
List Price: $12.00
Amazon Price: $1.99
Used Price: $0.01

Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect (7th Edition) (MyHelpingKit Series)
Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect (7th Edition) (MyHelpingKit Series) Author: Cynthia Crosson-Tower
Paperback:  464 pages
Company: Allyn & Bacon  (2007-05-27)
ISBN: 0205503268
List Price: $77.00
Amazon Price: $65.83
Used Price: $63.93
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