NCJ Number
113586
Date Published
1987
Length
46 pages
Annotation
The advisory board presents nine recommendations for improving the Federal and State response to the problem of missing and exploited children.
Abstract
Among recommendations are (1) that the crime of parental kidnapping be given greater attention in the criminal justice system, (2) that the States' legal definition of child sexual abuse be amended to include sexual exploitation, and (3) that national child safety curriculum standards be developed for use in the schools. Additional recommendations are that (4) Federal entitlement programs to the States be examined to ensure that they encourage families to remain intact and (5) that training programs for nonprofit organizations be reviewed to ensure focus on local and national networking and fundraising. Four carryover recommendations are: (1) that State child protection laws be adopted in critical areas; (2) that funding be secured for establishment of State clearinghouses to collect and disseminate information; (3) that the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act be amended; and (4) that techniques for handling child victims in court be improved. Updated information is provided on the child victim, adult offender, child victim as witness, potential child victim, and research for protecting children and their families. Interagency coordination and cooperation, legislative action, training, research, public awareness, prevention and education, treatment and counseling, and action by other organizations also are discussed.