Statement of Arabella Martinez, Assistant Secretary for Human Development Services, Senate Human Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Child and Human Development Concerning Abuse of Children in Institutions (From Abuse and Neglect of Children in Institutions, 1979 - Hearings, P 193-209, 1979 - See N

• NCJ Number: 77189
• Author(s): A Martinez
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Highlighting Federal laws and model programs, this testimony reflects the Department of Health, Education and Welfare's (DHEW's) role in investigation, treating and preventing child abuse in residential institutions.

Abstract

Although it is the role of State legislative bodies and regulatory agencies to determine and implement the appropriate enforcement of child abuse and neglect laws, DHEW does set standards as conditions of limited financial support, technical assistance, and advocacy. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974 which created the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, gave the Federal government responsibility for the prevention of abuse within both the family and the institution. The National Center has focused on (1) reporting, investigation, and corrections procedures; (2) model State legislation; (3) cosponsorship of a national conference on institutional abuse of children; and (4) demonstration grants for investigation and correction of institutional abuse. In addition to these provisions, the draft Model Child Protection Act incorporates a means of compiling information on the progress, findings, and dispositions of investigations into a State's central child protection system. Major areas of concern identified by the National Conference on Institutional Abuse include size; adequate staffing; isolation from community and family in institutions; and the need for public awareness, expanded regulation of residential institutions, and for appropriate alternatives and support services to reduce unnecessary institutionalization. Other DHEW activities include the President's Committee on Mental Retardation, the Draft Federal Standards for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, and various treatment programs, model acts, and demonstration projects. For example, the model Adoption Opportunities Act will alleviate potential abuse of children in institutions by facilitating permanent placements. Child welfare amendments should be supported to emphasize the need for permanent placement of children, upgrading and strengthening licensing programs, and staff training.