This chapter provides a review of parental physical punishment of children, which has been shown to be associated with abuse of children and several negative developmental, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. Resources and methods to effectively address the issue of parental physical punishment with parents and educate them about alternatives are described. This chapter also describes current best practices in interviewing about child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, psychological abuse, and witnessing domestic violence) and illustrates best practice guidance on mandated reporting of suspected maltreatment.
