This publication is intended to assist school personnel to expand their professional understanding of the problem of child abuse and neglect, improve their reporting procedures, and deal with prevention and support activities within the school and community. The nature, causes, extent, and effects of child abuse and neglect are treated briefly in the first section. Indicators for recognizing child abuse and neglect in the schools are detailed, including academic and emotional/psychological cues. Forms of abuse and neglect are described (physical, sexual, emotional) and school officials' reporting responsibilities, according to the New York State Child Protective Services Act of 1973, are defined. The role of the school in sharing information with other professionals and providing support for the child and family is discussed. School-based activities and school-community partnership programs for preventing abuse and neglect are described. Finally, a model school district policy and reporting procedure is outlined. The appendices contain a 1985 review and update of child abuse and neglect requirements and recommendations for school personnel, an extensive checklist of abuse and neglect indicators, the New York State requirements and suggestions for school guidance programs to educate students to avoid abuse and neglect, lists of New York State county Child Protective Services, New York State Federation on Child Abuse and Neglect Task Forces by county, and telepone numbers for reporting abuse and neglect. (MCF)