Understanding the symptoms and risk factors influencing child abuse and neglect can help child care professionals and others recognize and build strong family relationships and support systems to prevent and mitigate child abuse and strengthen their protection and well-being. The system for protecting the welfare and emotional, psychological, and physical health of children in the Republic of Croatia begins with the central institution, the Croatian Institute for Social Welfare. In its work and actions aimed at protecting the welfare of children, the Institute undertakes numerous activities and measures and cooperates with other state and public authorities, associations, and other legal and natural persons whose area of activity is social welfare. The thesis presents the procedures of the Institute for Social Welfare in cases of child abuse and neglect. The paper consists of several chapters. After the introductory section, the definition of abuse and neglect, as well as the types of abuse and neglect, will be presented. The fourth chapter focuses on the characteristics of typical victims, while the fifth addresses the characteristics of perpetrators of violence. The sixth chapter explains the consequences of neglect. The following chapter outlines the legal framework for the actions of competent institutions. The eighth and ninth chapters are dedicated to the procedures of the Institute for Social Welfare in cases of child abuse and neglect, as well as the cooperation of the Institute with other state authorities. The conclusion and a list of references follow at the end of the thesis.