NCJ Number
103183
Date Published
1985
Length
260 pages
Annotation
This hearing focuses on the Child Victim Witness Protection Act of 1985 and its implications for the processing of child abuse cases in Alabama and other States.
Abstract
The 1985 Child Victim Witness Protection Act of 1985 authorizes Federal funding to encourage States to implement protective reforms regarding the investigation and adjudication of child abuse cases so as to minimize additional trauma to the child and improve the chances of successful criminal prosecution or legal action. Testimony by Alabama criminal justice officials and child advocates supports the legislation. Much of the testimony focuses on programs Alabama is already conducting to reduce trauma for child victims-witnesses. These programs include the use of a multidisciplinary center which reduces the number of interviews a child must undergo and coordinates case processing in the best interests of the child. A representative of the U.S. Justice Department voices the department's support for the bill and describes departmental efforts to achieve the goals of the legislation. A copy of the bill and appended supplementary material.