NCJ Number
118826
Date Published
1989
Length
57 pages
Annotation
The Governor's Task Force on Justice for Abused Children was created by the State of Connecticut in September 1988 and included leaders from the fields of law enforcement and mental health, service providers, and representatives of child advocacy groups.
Abstract
Task Force recommendations were developed as realistic, meaningful solutions to problems in Connecticut's child abuse response system. The recommendations reflect a belief that a viable response to child abuse is the responsibility of various agencies and professions. They are based on four principles: (1) children have the right to equal protection under the law and the right to a justice system that recognizes their unique needs; (2) children have the right to grow and develop free of physical harm and injury; (3) children have the right to be heard and understood; and (4) children who have been abused have the right to services that protect them from future harm and help them recover from the trauma of victimization. The Task Force determined that the status and public perception of family relations and juvenile matters should be enhanced, that a monitoring committee should be established to assess progress made in implementing Task Force recommendations, and that this monitoring committee should oversee the establishment of protocols and interagency agreements for investigating and coordinating child abuse cases. The Task Force also recommended that alternative methods of generating revenues to offset victim and family service costs be explored and that judicial and other agencies involved in investigating, responding to, or prosecuting child abuse be required by law to undertake regular staff training programs. The Task Force further recommended that services for victims of serious physical abuse be expanded, that specialized treatment services for juvenile child abuse offenders be broadened, and that additional evaluation and treatment services for adult child abuse offenders be developed.