Overview of Child Maltreatment (Child Abuse; Child Neglect) By Alicia R Pekarsky, MD, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital Reviewed / Revised Nov 2022 View Patient Education Classification Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention More Information Topic Resources Rib Fractures in an Infant Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (eg, clergy, coach, teacher) that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.