NCJ Number
104887
Date Published
1985
Length
80 pages
Annotation
The 1985 hearings focused on S. 140, the Children's Justice Act sponsored by Senator Paula Hawkins, and companion legislation in the House of Representatives designed to improve the reporting, prevention, and treatment of child abuse.
Abstract
Representative Don Edwards noted that the bill he introduced to the House embodied three recommendations of the California Attorney General's Commission: it lifted the prohibition on reporting of child abuse by employees of federally funded drug and alcohol abuse programs, mandated that child abuse case statistics be included in the FBI Uniform Crime Reports, and directed the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect to gather and disseminate information to State law enforcement officials. Senator Hawkins emphasized that her bill does not impose the Federal Government's will on States, but provides financial incentives for States to enact reforms that protect children. Representative Gerry Sikorski reviewed his efforts, in cooperation with Representative DioGuardi, to develop bipartisan child abuse prevention legislation. Representative DioGuardi's testimony focused on budget priorities as they relate to child abuse legislation and sexual abuse cases in his jurisdiction. Representative George Miller, chairman of the Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families discussed hearings held by his committee. Questions from committee members concluded the hearing. Prepared statements are included.