NCJ Number
48634
Journal
JOURNAL OF HOME ECONOMICS Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Dated: (MAY 1976) Pages: 17-20
Date Published
1976
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE LEVEL OF CHILD ABUSE LEGISLATION THROUGHOUT THE STATES IS DISCUSSED, AND THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS IS CONSIDERED.
Abstract
IT IS NOTED THAT DURING THE LAST DECADE, ALL 50 STATES HAVE ENACTED CHILD ABUSE LEGISLATION WHICH GRANTS IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY TO ANY PERSON WHO, IN GOOD FAITH, REPORTS CASES OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT. THIS IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY, COUPLED WITH THE MANDATORY REPORTING OF STATISTICS WITHIN EACH STATE AND THE PROTECTION OF THE INFORMER'S ANONYMITY, IS BELIEVED TO HAVE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF CASES REPORTED. IN ADDITION, MANY STATES NOW MAINTAIN CENTRAL REGISTRIES OF KNOWN OR SUSPECTED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT. A TABLE IS INCLUDED THAT PRESENTS A STATE-BY-STATE GUIDE TO THE CURRENT STATUS OF CHILD ABUSE LEGISLATION. WRITTEN PRIMARILY TO BE READ BY HOME ECONOMISTS, THE ARTICLE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME ECONOMISTS FOR INFLUENCING EXPANDED CHILD ABUSE LEGISLATION: PROVIDE EXPERT TESTIMONY TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES; TAKE ACTIVE STANDS ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES; INITIATE OR WRITE BILLS FOR CONSIDERATION; BECOME ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. RECOMMENDED PROGRAMS FOR THE DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE INCLUDE FAMILY LIFE AND PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS, WHICH WOULD TEACH FAMILY PLANNING, PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS OF CHILDREN AT VARIOUS AGES AND STAGES OF GROWTH, DISCIPLINE, ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS, AND THE USE OF MONEY. SUGGESTIONS FOR REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS ON FAMILIES INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF HOMEMAKER AND HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES, MOTHERS' HELPERS, BABYSITTING SERVICES, AND FAMILY AND GROUP DAY CARE FACILITIES FOR PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN. AN ARRAY OF SOCIAL AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES IS URGED FOR BOTH THE ABUSED CHILD AND THE ABUSING PARENT. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE 1974 FEDERAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION ACT IS ALSO PROVIDED. (RCB)