This booklet presents a model for state legislation for child abuse and neglect which meets the requirements of Public Law 93-247, enacted in 1974. Child abuse and neglect terms are legally defined. Additional sections of the proposed legislation concern: (1) persons mandated to report abuse; (2) mandatory reporting of suspected abuse; (3) taking color photographs and x-rays of purportedly abused children; (4) protective custody of abused or neglected children; (5) child abuse reporting procedures; (6) immunity from liability for reporters of child abuse; (7) abrogation of privileged communications; (8) consequences of failure to report suspected abuse; (9) the establishment of child protective services, a child protection team, local plans for child protection, a statewide child protection center, and a central registry for child abuse and neglect; (10) confidentiality of records; (11) education and training of state and local staff; and (12) the appointment of guardians for victims of child abuse. (BRT)