Child Maltreatment (CAPTA): A Case Study

582 Words3 Pages
child regardless of class and emphasized abuse over neglect (Nelson). CAPTA was the first significant modern-day response to the issue of child maltreatment, abuse and neglect. CAPTA's mandates encompassed known and suspected forms of child maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and psychological and emotional maltreatment. CAPTA’s had a positive impact on the lives of children by providing them with greater protection under the law. However, the fluctuation of child welfare policies between an emphasis on child removal and termination of parental rights and family preservation and reunification led to the CAPTA’s multiple amendments (Gainsborough). In the 1990s, first lady Hillary Clinton chose to focus on family preservation. She wrote an article in 1995 and held public events to spread child welfare awareness. Policy entrepreneurs must keep the public…show more content…
States chose to address the scandals differently. In 1999, four cases, including the drowning of Precious Hickman in Colorado, were reported in the Denver Post. In the beginning, the cases generated interest and recommendations emerged to reform the county-administrated system. The Governor at the time, Bill Owens, appointed a committee to address the issue, but Colorado did not have a policy entrepreneur truly interested in the cases of child welfare. Eventually the Denver Post lost interest and citizens voted against increasing funding for child welfare. However in New Jersey in 2003, the case of young Rahee Williams (7 years old) and Tyrone Hill (4 years old) led to the passing of beneficial legislature and the creation of the Office of the Child Advocate in 2003(Gainsborough). Colorado lacked the presence of strong child advocacy groups in New Jersey who campaigned for political change on behalf of children and failed to produce favorable children’s
Show More
Related

  • Child Maltreatment Theory

    1935 Words  | 8 Pages

    Child Maltreatment is unfortunately a very emotional crime to report on and is a prevalent crime in which many are victimizing. When comparing to this to other crimes, the victims typically have a chance to defend themselves, however with children, this is not the case. Child Maltreatment is discussed with government involvement and victim statistics. Two criminal theories of cause are discussed to seek possible causes of offenders to choose to commit the crime of child maltreatment. Finally

    Read More

More about Child Maltreatment (CAPTA): A Case Study

Open Document