Child Physical Abuse
The following is a condensed timeline of U.S. Federal child abuse legislative activity:
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1980 – Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act (Public Law 96-272) was passed to promote family reunification. This was passed in response to public concern about the growing number of children being placed within the foster care system.
1988 – Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption and Family Services Act (Public Law 100-294) replaced 1974’s CAPTA and mandated the establishment of a national system of child abuse data collection.
1994 – Multiethnic Placement Act (Public Law 103-382) directs states to actively recruit adoptive and foster families, especially for minority children waiting for placement in homes.
1995 – Sex Crimes Against Children Prevention Act (Public Law 104-71) increased penalties for those who sexually exploit children through illegal conduct, exploitation conducted via the Internet, and for those who transport children with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
1997 – Adoption and Safe Families Act (Public Law 105-89) directed that the safety of children be the primary concern when reuniting families and that States establish circumstances under which an abused child would not be returned to his or her parent(s).
