Developing a comprehensive maltreatment intervention program.

The dental health care professional must understand that every individual cannot be saved from maltreatment, but the task is not futile. Suspicion must be investigated. The responsibility for investigating reports of suspected maltreatment lies at the state level. Every state has established a protective service reporting agency. Begin by determining the names and addresses of the protective agencies in your area and the procedure for reporting suspected cases of maltreatment. Determine the most effective and thorough means of gathering current and relevant information on the detection and proper evaluation of maltreatment. Consider the knowledge and training that dental personnel need to make an intervention program successful. Decide now dental staff should proceed and what timetable should be set for the implementation of an intervention. Dental health care providers must be a part of coordinated effort involving all groups concerned with the welfare of the aged and the young. Be proactive not reactive. Additional information may be obtained from the ADA's Council on Dental Practice at 1-800-621-8099, ext. 2895; the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, Department of Health & Human Services, P.O. Box 1182, Washington, D.C. 20013 (703) 821-2986; or the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse 111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 510, Chicago, IL 60601. Reporting agencies include: local department of public welfare; local police department; state departments of public welfare; state department of health & human services; national child abuse hotline, toll free (1-800-422-4453).