Child maltreatment is a widespread problem that affects thousands of children every year. There are four common types of child maltreatment; sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and abandonment. All of these types of abuse are very serious and can have many consequences for children and families. The most common consequence of severe child maltreatment is the removal of the child from the home (Benbenishty, Segev, Surkis, & Elias, 2002). Most social workers attempting to determine the likelihood of removal evaluate the type and severity of the abuse, as well as the child's relationship with the parents (Benbenishty et al., 2002). When children are removed from their homes there are many alternative housing options. Places where they may live include a relative's home, a foster home, or a group home. In a study of children removed from their homes, 68% went to a foster home rather than to a relative or other form of alternative housing (Faller, 1991). Reunification with a parent is the most common goal set by child protective services, although recurring abuse is likely to occur based on the type of prior abuse and the age of the child (Connell et al., 2009) . Child maltreatment is becoming a widespread problem that has numerous consequences for both the child and the family. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines child abuse as any act or series of events that causes harm, potential harm, or threatens the safety of the child (Webb, 2007). Although many people believe that child maltreatment is simply physical, many other forms of maltreatment occur; Sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment are also common forms of abuse. Domestic violence also falls under the definition of child abuse... the focus of the paper... parents as soon as the home is safe again. In some cases, recurrent maltreatment occurs when the child is reunited with his biological parents or caregivers. Children who are abused may exhibit behavioral problems that can impact many aspects of their lives. They tend to perform poorly in school and have low academic achievement (Webb, 2007). They may also internalize their behavior by becoming depressed and exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Child maltreatment not only affects the child who suffers the abuse, but also the family system. Some acts of child abuse may result in criminal charges that could result in prison and other serious punishments. Children show the effects of maltreatment throughout their lives through their behaviors. Child abuse is a serious problem that must be prohibited by all agencies.