Book excerpt: How do you intervene in abusive and neglectful families or prevent maltreatment in families at risk? How can you find the answers you need in the overwhelming array of information now available on the subject? In Working with Child Abuse and Neglect, author Vernon R. Wiehe helps you focus by evaluating a wealth of references to current published literature and pinpointing the practical applications that put these findings into action. Condensing the explosion of knowledge about child maltreatment into one provoking yet accessible primer, Wiehe first offers a historical perspective on child maltreatment and an assessment of the scope of the problem. He also discusses theoretical perspectives for understanding the problem and specific treatment and prevention techniques. Information on state and national organizations working in the field illustrates not only the size of the problem but also the mobilized efforts to stem child abuse and neglect. As well as a balanced introduction, Working with Child Abuse and Neglect serves as a springboard to important sources of additional knowledge. Ideal for upper-division undergraduates as well as graduate students, and anyone in the helping professions who is beginning to work with victimized children, Working with Child Abuse and Neglect provides a sound assessment of the state of the literature and application in this expanding area of study and practice. In addition, the handy reference value of this volume will appeal in particular to social workers, counseling and clinical psychologists, and nurses.