A Congresswoman from Georgia wants federal funding to back a national hotline to help prevent and combat child abuse.
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-6) recently introduced H.R.566, legislation to establish a national hotline to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
The bill is part of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (Stronger CAPTA), recently introduced by members of the House Committee on Education and Labor. This legislation strengthens the original CAPTA law by providing evidence-based support for victims of child abuse and neglect, establishing national reporting requirements, expanding research, and improving the process to apply for federal grants.
“Our children are our future, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that they are able to live, learn, and grow up in a safe environment. I was proud to introduce this important legislation to provide children and parents with resources to help identify and end child abuse,” McBath said. “Our Stronger CAPTA package is an important and necessary step toward protecting our nation’s children, building upon the original law, and providing evidence-based support for victims of child abuse and neglect.”
“Children trapped at home with abusers, first-responder parents in desperate need of resources, and survivors calling for support; these are the faces of the pandemic and the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has fielded a double-digit increase in calls, texts and chats from citizens who are hurting. We are deeply appreciative that Representative McBath understands the current crisis and future needs of children and families living in the shadows of abuse. This legislation will not only illuminate the need in our nation, but bring light and hope to abused children throughout the country,” Childhelp Co-Founder Chairman & CEO Sara O’Meara said.
You can read the complete bill here.
To reach the Child Abuse Hotline, please call, text, or online chat at 1 (800) 4-A-Child or childhelphotline.org.
