NCJ Number
113845
Date Published
1988
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This report outlines proposed legislation to ensure maximum continuity of protection for children at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in California.
Abstract
Changes in child abuse reporting standards contained in SB 1219 clarify the distinction between lawful and unlawful corporal punishment and exclude mutual affrays between minors from the definition of child abuse. The bill also supplements cross-references to other code sections with more meaningful definitions and clarifies cross-reporting requirements among child protection agencies. It also authorizes County welfare departments to determine if an immediate in-person response to a child abuse report is necessary. SB 243 replaces current vague language with 10 specific grounds for declaring a child a dependent of the court. It also recognizes a need for parents and children requiring court intervention to receive appropriate legal representation, time-limited and clearly focused protective and/or reunification services, and permanency planning for children who cannot live safely with their family. Finally, SB 834 is designed to initiate a statewide curriculum and training program to increase the skills of child protection professionals in the areas of assessment, service planning, and permanent placement. Additional recommendations focus on child abuse prevention, juvenile court procedures, data collection, special-needs children, and children of inmates.