This paper examines child abuse and neglect in Indigenous communities from a societal perspective, applying a community development framework to understand effective strategies for reducing risks and enhancing children’s safety and wellbeing. To be effective, strategies need to consider the known risk factors for child maltreatment in a way that acknowledges the historical context, is culturally ‘safe’ and emphasises support for families. Principles of community development and culturally competent practices for Indigenous communities are emphasised, and some promising Indigenous programs and services are identified. There are also non-Indigenous-specific programs that may be suitable for translation into an Indigenous context; however, the suitability of such programs would need to be determined in consultation with the local community, and program approaches and materials redeveloped to ensure cultural appropriateness. (Introduction, edited)