Selected State Legislation - A Guide for Effective State Laws to Protect Children

• NCJ Number: 97946
• Author(s): Anonymous
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 56 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This information package highlights some of the most effective State laws that concern child victimization.

Abstract

Legislation dealing with missing children is addressed, and such issues as unidentified deceased persons and the elimination of waiting periods are considered. State laws on addressing sexual abuse and exploitation and their provisions for reporting and investigating cases of child sexual exploitation, paying for physical exams, and limiting the number of interviews are noted. Criminal code provisions addressing such issues as time limits, consent, and mandatory prison sentences are delineated. Legislation relevant to the child in the courtroom is analyzed, with emphasis on courtroom procedures protecting the child victim or witness. State laws that protect the privacy of the child victim are reviewed, as are laws mandating education and prevention programs for children in the schools. A criminal history check is one step taken by many States to protect children from criminal and sexual exploitation. This involves two steps: (1) a check through the State law enforcement system to determine if there have been any particular kinds of offenses committed by an individual in the State and (2) a check through the Federal law enforcement information system to determine if other States have criminal history records of the individual. State laws mandating training and instructional courses in the area of sexual victimization and assault are considered. Also explored are State laws requiring that the person convicted of assault pay for the treatment and rehabilitation of the child victim. Legislation providing that abandoned, abused, or neglected children in juvenile family court proceedings receive special treatment by the court is analyzed. Actions taken by States to close traditional loopholes in statutes dealing with parental kidnapping are reported. Finally, principles for State legislation dealing with child pornography and prostitution are recommended. Thirteen additional sources of information are listed. An index is included.