Federal Child Abuse and Child Neglect Policy in the United States Since 1974: A Review and Critique

Abstract

This article examines key federal legislation concerning child abuse and child neglect over the past tree decades. It analyzes how shifting and contradictory policies concerning how best to achieve "permanency planning" for abused and neglected children have characterized federal legislation. Two key federal acts are examined: the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 and the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. The assumptions behind the stated objectives of each act are analyzed and a critique of the problems and shortcomings of each is presented. The article also critical examines the reluctance of federal policy to fully address the relationship between poverty and child abuse and child neglect. It also evaluates why current and pet policies are not in the best interests of Children.