After defining numerous terms related to physical and mental child abuse and neglect and presenting information on the prevalence and causes of abuse, this document explains areas of immediate concern for schools: (1) identification; (2) communicating with the student about possible abuse; (3) reporting suspected abuse; (4) assisting the abused child in the school environment; (5) agency response to reports of suspected abuse; and (6) limitations involved in emotional abuse prosecution. A section on school prevention efforts that discusses staff training, student training, and community awareness is followed by a discussion of policy and procedure development that includes relevant questions to be addressed; information on encouraging collaboration with the state Children's Services and law enforcement agencies; and sample policies, procedures, and statements. Last, information on 11 community agencies in Linn and Benton Counties, Oregon, is provided as a model for other districts to follow in collaborating with social service agencies in their own communities. Appended is an ERIC Digest on the role of schools in sexual abuse prevention and intervention. (27 references) (CLA)