NCJ Number
148471
Date Published
1994
Length
194 pages
Annotation
This 1994 legislative agenda of the Child Welfare League of America outlines and documents essential investments that must be made to protect and care for abused and neglected children and troubled families.
Abstract
The agenda gives priority to comprehensive services that are child-centered, family focused, and cost-effective. Support for the full range of child welfare services -- in- home preventive and family support services, child protective services, out-of-home care, and adoption -- is deemed essential. This year, health care reform tops the national domestic policy agenda, followed closely by crime reduction, welfare reform, and a broad array of education issues. Each of these has significant implications for children, youths, and families and child welfare services. Investments in health-care services are crucial to combat child abuse and neglect. All children and families must have access to basic health care services; more extensive prevention and treatment services should be available to address the serious and complex health problems suffered by the children and families in the child welfare system. Child day care services, housing assistance, and income supports are vital components of any comprehensive effort to strengthen families and protect vulnerable children. Intensive services must be provided troubled adolescents and young adults. This report suggests how to build on the major child welfare reforms enacted in 1993 to ensure child safety, promote child and family well-being, and end gridlock in the child and family service systems. It proposes action to ensure that vulnerable children and families are not forgotten in the health-care reform debate. The "Agenda" also details strategies to reform welfare and to reduce crime and violence that particularly impact vulnerable children and families. Appended Family Preservation/Family Support Program State allotments