[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 22 (Tuesday, March 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE KEEPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SAFE ACT OF 2002

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                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2002

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the 
``Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2002'' to reauthorize the 
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), the Adoption 
Opportunities program, the Abandoned Infants Act, and the Family 
Violence Prevention and Treatment Act (FVPSA).
  According to recent statistics, almost 3 million reports of possible 
child maltreatment were made to child welfare agencies in 1999. 
Approximately 60 percent of these reports were investigated and 826,000 
children were estimated to have been victims of abuse or neglect in 
1999.
  While the overall number represents a continuation of a downward 
trend since 1993, the long-term trend in child abuse reporting has been 
one of substantial growth, with the number of maltreatment reports more 
than quadrupling since 1976. However, it should be noted that increased 
reporting of abuse and neglect does not necessarily mean an equivalent 
increase in substantiated cases of abuse and neglect. While the 
proportion of child maltreatment reports that are substantiated has 
grown smaller over time, the number of reported child abuse cases is 
likely higher due to improved surveillance mechanisms. Despite progress 
made in promoting child abuse awareness and the endless efforts made to 
prevent child abuse and neglect, much more work is needed.
  In addition, family violence continues to be the most common, yet 
least reported crime in our nation. Approximately 95 percent of family 
violence victims are women, and it is estimated that every 11 seconds a 
woman is battered in the United States. It is also estimated that 70 
percent of men who abuse their wives also abuse their children, and 
children from abusive homes are at greater risk of alcohol or drug 
abuse and juvenile delinquency.
  Mr. Speaker, the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2002 
continues to provide important federal resources for identifying and 
addressing the issues of child abuse and neglect and family violence, 
and to support effective methods of prevention and treatment. It also 
continues local projects with demonstrated value in eliminating 
barriers to permanent adoption and addressing the circumstances that 
often lead to infant abandonment.
  This legislation emphasizes the prevention of child abuse and neglect 
and family violence before it occurs. It promotes partnerships between 
child protective services and private and community-based organizations 
to ensure that services are more effectively provided, and supports 
public education on child abuse and neglect by strengthening the 
public's understanding of the role of child protective services and 
appropriate methods for public reporting of suspected incidents of 
child maltreatment.
  This legislation also fosters cooperation between parents and child 
protective services workers by requiring case workers to inform parents 
of the their rights and the allegations made against them. Further, 
this legislation is designed to improve the training, recruitment and 
retention of individuals providing services to children and ensures the 
appropriate supervision of these individuals.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to back this important legislation 
that supports improved services for children and families.

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