NCJ Number
157588
Date Published
1994
Length
152 pages
Annotation
This volume summarizes newly enacted State legislation affecting children and families and documents legislative activity, emerging trends, and innovative policies in the States.
Abstract
Reforming the child welfare system was a top priority for 1994 and was reflected in child welfare and family support legislation. Major initiatives included California legislation blending local and State funds to provide comprehensive services to at-risk families; Missouri's legislation creating five local pilot child protection systems, which are required to coordinate community resources, promote child safety and family preservation, and provide prevention services; and South Dakota's legislation establishing a State-level Family Support Council. Other major initiatives are Tennessee's legislation creating five juvenile-family crisis intervention pilot programs and five Healthy Start pilot programs, Utah's comprehensive reforms to the child welfare system, Virginia's legislation creating a commission on domestic assault, and Wisconsin's Right from the State child abuse and neglect prevention program. Juvenile justice was also a topic of great priority. Summaries of laws by topic and State and appended additional list of laws