[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 56 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H2276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONTINUING OUR FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE

  (Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FOLEY. Madam Speaker, when I look at my young nephews, I see the 
innocence and joy that only childhood can bring. This is the time of 
their lives that should be treasured and preserved. It saddens me to 
know that so many children are robbed of this innocence, or even worse, 
lose their lives at the hands of abuse.
  Even while our overall crime statistics have declined dramatically, 
child abuse continues to rise. According to the Child Welfare League of 
America, five children and infants die each day from abuse and neglect. 
This is five children too many.
  Last year I sponsored the Volunteers For Children Act, a bill that 
was signed into law by President Clinton. Volunteers For Children will 
help to protect children in after-school activities from being in the 
care of people with dangerous criminal records.
  This is an important step, but it is not enough. We must attack child 
abuse at every opportunity, by investigating reported abuse thoroughly, 
by ensuring that children are not returned to abusive environments that 
they have been taken out of, and penalties for convicted abusers need 
to become much tougher. Furthermore, we must ensure that children have 
safe places to go whenever they are in danger.
  Madam Speaker, as my colleagues all probably know, April is Child 
Abuse Prevention Month, and today has been designated Children's 
Memorial Day, a day to remember children who have been killed and to 
resolve anew to stop violence against children. I would hope that the 
spirit of this day and this month will carry on, and that we can 
increase our efforts to prevent these terrible and violent acts against 
innocent and defenseless young people.

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