Child abuse and neglect constitute a multi-pronged set of factors that place children at risk of long-term deficits such as incarceration, economic dependence, school failure and even death. Young people, children and infants suffer harmful consequences in their cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and social development (Moore, 2006). The prevalence of child abuse and neglect in Australia was estimated at 29% of all identified risks in 2009 (Statistics, 2014). The discussion of children at risk in Australia, just as in other countries, was brought to light by Kempe (1962) when he published the American Medical Association. In light of this publication, professional concerns and legislative reforms followed (Kempe, 1962). One of the main parameters put in place to address child abuse and neglect is the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child which segregates children as a special group with certain rights separate from those of adults (Australian Government Department of Social Studies, 2014) The government has put in place substantial policies to ensure that children are not subjected to any form of abuse and neglect. Some of the policies that the Australian Government has put in place to address the issues of child neglect and abuse include the Children Youth and Families 2005 Act which allows professionals and other stakeholders to report and refer to the appropriate agency, and the protection of minors. report found in section 184 (Victorian Current Acts, 2014). In addition to policies, the government has created several avenues to support families who are at high risk of exposing children to neglect and abuse... half of paper......iefings/emotionalabuse_wda48215.htmlSalus, & DePanfilis . (2003). A coordinated response to child abuse and neglect: A primer. Retrieved May 16, 2014, from http://www.pantucek.com/cps/basic.pdfSanderson, C. (2006). Counseling for adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Statistics, C. A. (2014). National Child Abuse Statistics | Help for children. Retrieved May 16, 2014, from http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statisticsTeensHealth. (2014). Abuse. Retrieved May 16, 2014, from http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/families/family_abuse.htmlVictorian Current Acts. (2014). CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES ACT 2005. Retrieved 16 May 2014 from http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/cyafa2005252/Victorian Gvernment. (2006). Babies, children and vulnerable young people at risk of harm. Victoria: Victorian Government.