NCJ Number
153403
Date Published
1983
Length
602 pages
Annotation
This document contains the transcripts of a 3-day series of hearings, and prepared statements, related to the reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act, the Federal program developed to help States in their efforts to combat child abuse and neglect, and to facilitate adoption of children with special needs.
Abstract
The hearing on the first day focused on a particular type of neglect, specifically the withholding of nourishment and medical treatment from infants born with mental or physical defects. The witnesses at that hearing included the U.S. Surgeon General, experts on medical ethics and pediatrics, and a couple who adopted 11 children with various medical problems. The second hearing focused on the identification, prevention, and treatment of various types of child abuse. Several witnesses described programs undertaken by the private sector to combat child abuse. Witnesses included representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services as well as medical professionals and other professionals working for various children's advocacy groups. The final hearing focused on the Federal programs that promote the permanent, adoptive placement of children with special needs. The reauthorization bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review model State adoption legislation, would encourage private businesses to offer adoption benefit programs for employees, and would require the Secretary to study unlicensed adoption, including the legal status of surrogate parenting. Witnesses included the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services and representatives of private sector organizations working on adoption-related issues.