NCJ Number
148380
Date Published
1992
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This report presents witness statements and testimony on S. 2792, which is a bill to authorize funds for and strengthen programs of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
Abstract
Senator Don Nickles and Representative Robert Cramer, Jr., the sponsors of the bill, present its provisions and argue for its enactment. The proposed amendment to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act is entitled the National Children's Advocacy Program Act of 1992. It focuses on the needs of and services for the victims of child abuse. The bill would establish a national center where State and local representatives can be trained in how to handle and help victims of child abuse. This is an effort to increase the use of effective methods to minimize the damage and trauma to child abuse victims. In his statement, James Gurule, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, expresses concern that the bill creates new social service grant programs that duplicate existing authority within the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and program administered by other Federal departments. Gurule argues the Justice Department's position that programs authorized under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act should focus on accountability for juvenile offenders. Other witnesses are the chairperson of the National Coalition of State Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups, a representative of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the executive director of the National Assembly of National Voluntary Health and Social Welfare Organizations, and the assistant national director of Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Testimony and prepared statements are provided in addition to a transcript of questions and answers.