Discussion of Report on Increased Federal Efforts Needed To Better Identify, Treat, and Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect was established to serve as a focal point for Federal efforts and to help States establish programs to identify, treat, and prevent abuse and neglect. GAO reviewed State programs in this area to identify ways the Federal Government could improve child protective services and to better assist States and localities in resolving problems. While the locations which GAO visited have made progress, all still encounter problems in identifying, treating, and preventing abuse and neglect. Lack of funding and staff were the main causes of the problems. The National Center has not provided adequate leadership and assistance to the States. States and localities are responsible for establishing and operating programs to identify, treat, and prevent child abuse. The problems included: (1) differences in the definitions of child abuse and neglect among States; (2) incomplete identification and reporting; (3) inadequate resources for conducting investigations and providing treatment services; (4) understaffed child protective service units and untrained workers; (5) limited prevention efforts; and (6) a lack of coordination of child protective agencies. There was a reluctance on the part of professionals to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Services were provided on a priority basis. Caseworkers were inhibited in securing treatment for families with multiple problems. Unmet client needs resulted in an increased potential for recurrence of abuse and neglect. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the National Center, has not achieved the leadership role or provided the assistance needed to deal with child abuse and neglect as intended in the Child Abuse Act. It has devoted little attention to coordinating Federal child abuse and neglect programs. The National Center has provided little guidance and assistance on which approaches and programs are effective in dealing with child abuse and neglect. The National Center has no assurance that its assistance has been or is being directed toward the greatest needs. HHS support for the National Center has been inadequate in terms of funding and staffing.