Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act of 2000

P.L. 106-177

For text of the Act visit:
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws/index.htm

Reason Bill Initiated

• Concern about inadequate responses to reports of child maltreatment.
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Objective/Goal

• To address concerns about the level and quality of responses to reports of child maltreatment.

Services Provided/Measures Taken

• Authorized the use of Federal law enforcement funds by States to improve the criminal justice system in order to provide timely, accurate, and complete criminal history record information to child welfare agencies, organizations, and programs that are engaged in the assessment of activities related to the protection of children, including protection against child sexual abuse, and placement of children in foster care.
• Allowed the use of Federal grants by law enforcement:
  • To enforce child abuse and neglect laws, including laws protecting against child sexual abuse.
  • To promote programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect.
  • To establish or support cooperative programs between law enforcement and media organizations to collect, record, retain, and disseminate information useful in the identification and apprehension of suspected criminal offenders.
• Increased the amount of Federally collected funds available to the States for implementation of State Children's Justice Act reforms.

Credits: National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information