NCJ Number
48091
Journal
PUBLIC POLICY Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (WINTER 1978) Pages: 71-88
Date Published
1978
Length
18 pages
Annotation
THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF THE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT ACT IS REVIEWED. THE FOCUS IS ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN POLICY AND POLITICAL DECISIONS.
Abstract
ONE ROLE OF THE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH, CREATED IN 1971, WAS TO ASSESS THE ISSUE OF FEDERAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE IDENTIFICATION, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT OF THE ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF CHILDREN. THE SUBCOMMITTEE BEGAN TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE AND ATTEMPTED TO IDENTIFY SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS WHICH MIGHT SERVE AS MODELS FOR PROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION. IN 1972, S. 1191 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE HOUSE AND SENATE. THE LEGISLATION CALLED FOR: (1) CREATION OF A NATIONAL CENTER ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT; (2) INITIATION OF A PROGRAM OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS; (3) ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL COMMISSION ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXISTING PERTINENT LAWS; AND (4) STATE ADOPTION OF PROCEDURES FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION, IDENTIFICATION, AND TREATMENT AS A REQUIREMENT FOR RECEIPT OF FEDERAL FUNDS. TWO OPEN HEARINGS ON THE BILL IN 1973 RECEIVED INTENSIVE AND WIDESPREAD MEDIA COVERAGE, BRINGING THE ISSUES INVOLVED BEFORE THE PUBLIC. DURING ACTION IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE, THE ORIGINAL BILL UNDERWENT A NUMBER OF REVISIONS BEFORE FINALLY BECOMING LAW IN JANUARY OF 1974. THE CUSTOMARY INTERACTIONS OF POLICY AND POLITICS PRODUCED THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BILL; MEDIA COVERAGE PROVIDED A FAVORABLE CLIMATE FOR PASSAGE, WHILE FUNDING CONCERNS LED TO AN INCREMENTAL APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM. QUESTIONS SUCH AS WHERE THE PROGRAM SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED, HOW MONEY SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED AND SPENT, AND WHO SHOULD RECEIVE SERVICES WERE RESOLVED THROUGH A COMBINATION OF SENATE ACTION, HOUSE ACTION, AND NEGOTIATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, FOLLOWED BY BARGAINING AND AGREEMENT AMONG ALL THREE FACTIONS TO SHAPE THE FINAL PRODUCT. THE ACT'S APPROACH IS POLITICAL, WHICH SUGGESTS THAT, IN A TIME WHEN ECONOMIC AND OTHER FORCES MILITATE AGAINST ACCOMPLISHING MAJOR SOCIAL POLICY BREAKTHROUGHS, IT MAY BE WISE TO TAKE SOME MODEST STEPS TOWARD A BROADER IDENTIFIED GOAL. IT IS URGED THAT PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE CHILD ABUSE ACT BE JUDGED AT LEAST IN PART BY THEIR INTENDED GOALS, HOWEVER LIMITED SUCH GOALS MAY BE. (JAP)