NCJ Number
56926
Date Published
1975
Length
73 pages
Annotation
A MODEL FOR STATE LEGISLATION FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT WHICH MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC LAW 93-247, ENACTED IN 1974, IS PRESENTED IN THIS REPORT.
Abstract
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT TERMS ARE LEGALLY DEFINED, AND THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION DISCUSSED. AMONG THE TOPICS TOUCHED UPON ARE PERSONS MANDATED TO REPORT ABUSE AND THE OBLIGATORY REPORTING OF SUSPECTED ABUSE. INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED ON TAKING COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND X RAYS OF PURPORTEDLY ABUSED CHILDREN. PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF ABUSE OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN IS DISCUSSED, ALONG WITH CHILD ABUSE REPORTING PROCEDURES AND THE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR REPORTERS OF CHILD ABUSE. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE ARE OUTLINED. COMMENTS ARE GIVEN ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES, AS ARE DETAILS ON CHILD PROTECTION TEAMS, LOCAL PLANS FOR CHILD PROTECTION, STATEWIDE PLANS FOR CHILD PROTECTION, AND A CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. FINAL SECTIONS DEAL WITH CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS; EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF STATE AND LOCAL STAFF; AND THE APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIANS FOR VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE. A BIBLIOGRAPHY IS INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--MJW)