Intended to heighten public awareness and provide practical information to professionals, this handbook defines and describes child abuse (including sexual abuse) and its associated signs and injuries. The societal and family environments in which child abuse most typically occurs are described, and the California penal code sections pertaining to crimes against children are summarized. Reporting procedures and follow-up are also discussed. The professional responsibilities of the police, the sheriff, social service workers, and the legal and medical communities are outlined. Treatment for abusers as well as for the abused is discussed. Included as appendixes are sample child abuse report forms, applicable sections of the California state code, and the rules of search and seizure as they apply to the investigation of child abuse crimes. (JW)