NCJ Number
174293
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 1998 Pages: 26-30-41
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In recent years, increased awareness of and intolerance for crimes against children has led to Federal and State legislative initiatives that reflect a better understanding of the difficulties surrounding the investigation and prosecution of child abuse.
Abstract
During the 1980s, this awareness resulted in an emphasis on making the courtroom environment more friendly to children. Thus, statutes such as those creating special hearsay exceptions, allowing the use of closed circuit television testimony, and requiring the appointment of guardians ad litem were popular with legislatures. Much of the legislative attention in the 1990s has shifted from courtroom issues to broader legal and policy concerns. Recent legislative efforts can be broadly categorized into three areas: (1) efforts have been directed toward ensuring community safety upon the release of sex offenders; (2) legislatures have worked to improve the coordination and sharing of information among agencies involved in child abuse investigations; and (3) several States continue to examine a variety of pretrial and trial issues arising in child abuse cases. Specifically with regard to the release of sex offenders, sex offender registration statutes are aimed at protecting both children and adults. Another statutory reform designed to protect children from released child abusers involves legislation mandating or permitting background checks of child care workers. The importance of coordinating legal, social, and psychological issues associated with child abuse cases among the varied professionals involved is emphasized. Other issues of interest in child abuse legislation are noted, including charging statutes, rules of evidence, and HIV testing of offenders. 22 endnotes