[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 136 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1738]]



      CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT, AMENDMENTS OF 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. FRANK RIGGS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 1996

  Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the House 
substitute to S. 919, a bill that makes amendments to the Child Abuse 
Prevention and Treatment Act, known as CAPTA. This legislation, which 
has been crafted in a bicameral and bipartisan fashion, authorizes and 
makes critical amendments to the current CAPTA Act.
  As a former law enforcement officer I urge support for this 
legislation so that we can protect the most vulnerable segment of this 
Nation's population--abused and neglected children. As you know crime 
against children is on the rise and we must act now. It is because of 
the children we need to pass this today.
  One important component of this bill is that is provides expanded 
adoption opportunities for babies who have been abandoned. The parents 
of these children have indicated by their actions that they do not want 
these children, then lets make it easier for these children to go to 
homes that will love, care, provide nourishment for them. In addition 
this act will take a closer look at the effects of the placement of 
children in kinship care arrangements, pre-adoptive, or adoptive homes. 
This legislation adds a requirement for states to explore contracting 
with public or private nonprofit agencies, or sectarian institutions 
for the recruitment of potential foster and adoptive families. This 
legislation increases the authorization for the Adoptive Opportunities 
Act to $20 million and continues authorization through 2001.
  It is time that we all join together and protect our children. I urge 
my colleagues to vote favorably on this legislation.

                          ____________________