Prevent Child Abuse

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) provides federal funds to states for prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution and treatment activities related to potential cases of child abuse.

During fiscal year 2010, 3.3 million referrals, involving the alleged maltreatment of about 6 million children, were receive by Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies. About 61 percent of the allegations were screened. Of those:

• 90.3 percent received an investigation response and 9.7 percent received an alternative response;
• Of the 1.7 million investigations, 436,321 were substantiated

For more information about child abuse, see: Child Maltreatment Report, 2010

US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families

Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau

Pending in Congress:

S. 1877 Speak Up to Protect Every Abused Kid Act