This editorial comments on a study that found that parents of infants prenatally exposed to illegal drugs did not subsequently have more child abuse allegations than a comparison sample. The need for adult and child welfare professionals to work together in serving infants and their parents is stressed. (Contains 1 reference.) (CR)

A proportion of abusive families are resistive to treatment and reabuse their children (various studies cite rates of 16 to 60 per cent). Factors associated with poor treatment outcome include persistent denial of abuse, lack of empathy, use of severe types of abuse, and previous violent acts. (Author/JDD)