NCJ Number
77563
Date Published
1980
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Findings and recommendations are reported from the Georgia Legislature's interim study committees on domestic violence and child abuse.
Abstract
The Joint Child Abuse Study Committee defined child abuse/neglect as the non-accidental infliction of physical injury on a child under 18 years-old or the neglect and exploitation of such a child by a parent or caretaker. The severity of child abuse/neglect in the State is indicated by such data as the Central Child Abuse Registry's figures on suspected cases reported in July 1980, compared to the number reported in October 1980. In July, 593 families and 1,046 children were reported, compared to 1,480 families and 2,570 children in October. For fiscal year 1981, it is expected that 12,328 families and 22,012 children will be reported. Existing programs include (1) a coalition of citizens and professionals in a community to help provide a continuum of services in dealing with child abuse/neglect, (2) a program that uses professional staff to provide parents and children with individual and group counseling, (3) a self-help organization composed of abusing parents, and (4) a center offering a variety of services to families with problems. Recommendations are offered in the areas of funding, social services, education, legislation, and community action. Few data on spouse abuse were found. Programs for abused spouses include shelters and hotlines, official social service agency help for indigent families, mental health services, and legal aid. Recommendations are offered in the areas of court action, law enforcement, funding, professional training, legislation, and treatment programs.