[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SOCIAL PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, AND 
     SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2003

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
113 recognizing the social problem of child abuse and neglect, and 
supporting efforts to enhance public awareness of the problem. Although 
we live in the world's wealthiest nation, we have yet to eradicate some 
of the most disheartening social ills that plague our society. 
Throughout this great republic, it is a fact that many of our children 
are in great need, impacted by the horrifying realities of unsafe and 
unhealthy living environments, wherein abuse and neglect tear away at 
the very core of their youthfulness.
  With regards to the prevalence of this problem, in 1999, an estimated 
3,244,000 children were reported to Child Protective Services agencies 
as alleged victims of child maltreatment. Child abuse reports have 
maintained a steady growth for the past ten years, with the total 
number of reports nationwide increasing 45 percent since 1987. Neglect 
represents the most common type of reported and substantiated form of 
maltreatment. In 1996, 25 States provided the following breakdown for 
reported cases: 62 percent involved neglect, 25 percent physical abuse, 
7 percent sexual abuse, 3 percent emotional maltreatment, and 4 percent 
other. For substantiated cases, 31 States gave the following 
breakdowns: 60 percent neglect, 23 percent physical, 9 percent sexual, 
4 percent emotional maltreatment and 5 percent other.
  Figures issued by another study conducted in 2000, which surveyed 48 
States, representing over 95 percent of the population under 18, reveal 
a serious need for concern. Approximately 1,356 children died due to 
causes of child abuse and neglect. More specifically, children under 5 
years old accounted for four out of five of all fatalities reported, 
which served as the 2nd leading cause of death of children ages 1-4 in 
the United States. In that same year, children under 1 year old 
accounted for two out of five of all fatalities reported.
  In the State of Texas, Child Protective Services reported there were 
131,147 investigations of child abuse and neglect and 47,532 were 
confirmed victims. In fact, of the child abuse and neglect related 
fatalities in the State of Texas, figures from 2001 data show Harris 
County with the most occurrences.
  To this end, there is no doubt that child abuse and neglect continues 
to be a significant problem in the United States. These statistics can 
only begin to help us understand the scope of the problem--who is 
affected and what extents to which they are. Nonetheless, this 
legislation makes way for others in the public who may not ordinarily 
think about such problems more acutely aware of these issues.
  Our children are our future, but their health and safety in our 
society continues to decline. Everyone has an obligation to ensuring 
children have a chance at a great life and a prosperous future. The 
reality is alarming, but our commitment to the goals of this 
legislation must be strong. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 
support this legislation.

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