[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 9 (Monday, February 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E71]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I'm speaking in support today of House 
Resolution 764, the Child Abuse and Protection Act of 1999. The need 
for legislation to protect children from abuse and neglect increases 
each year.
  H.R. 764 expands the purposes of existing law enforcement grants for 
child abuse prevention, allowing States and territories greater 
flexibility in crafting programs to target problem areas specific to 
their populations. It assists State and territorial child-abuse 
prevention efforts without additional Federal spending.
  This bill helps to improve the access of child protective workers and 
child welfare workers and to increase information on criminal 
conviction (Jennifer's Law) and court-orders of protection for child 
abuse victims.
  In 1996, the Department of Health and Human Services reported data 
showing continued record high levels of child abuse and neglect in the 
United States. According to their report, ``Child Maltreatment 1996: 
Reports from the States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data 
System,'' almost 1 million children were identified as victims of abuse 
or neglect in 1996. Moreover, an estimated 1,077 children died in 1996 
as a result of abuse or neglect.
  Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, the loss of life is the severest 
result of child abuse and neglect. This is unconscionable. That is why 
we must unite in our commitment to support policies and innovative 
programs that work to increase children's safety and reduce children's 
risk of harm.
  Let us keep in mind as spring approaches, the month of April is 
National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Spring is the symbol 
of new beginnings. Let's give children a chance at a better start of 
life. I urge my fellow colleagues to give all children the best chance 
at a healthy and productive life. Please support H.R. 764.

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