This booklet, first of a three-volume series, presents an overview of the problems of child abuse and neglect. Discussions focus on child maltreatment from various perspectives, including characteristics of the parents and children, effects of abuse and neglect, a phychiatrist's view of the problem, and a discussion of state reporting laws. The first chapter defines child maltreatment and lists characteristics that may identify an abused or neglected child. A short discussion of the lasting emotional, physical and psychological scars from mistreatment emphasizes the possible long term effects such as mental retardation, loss of hearing or sight, lack of motor control, and speech defects. In Chapter 2, a psychiatrist looks at the "natural history" of child abuse pointing out that most abusive or neglectful parents were themselves victims of maltreatment. The abusive parent is often immature, dependent, lacking in self confidence, socially isolated and unable to deal with family crises. In Chapter 3, the punishment vs. treatment dichotomy in the laws written to deal with abuse is discussed. Some state laws label child abuse as a crime and others treat child abuse as a family problem requiring therapeutic treatment. Aspects of case reporting are also reviewed. (SB)