Preventing Child Abuse

This page and the links below provide information and hotlines regarding child abuse and the prevention of child abuse.

CAPTA is a U.S. law that deals with child abuse and neglect.  It was originally enacted in 1974 (P. L. 93-247) and has been amended several times, most recently by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 (P. L. 108-36).  It provides funding to for the support of child abuse prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment. While this Act is extremely important, it has little practical every day use for the average adopting person.  For the text of the Act see Law.Cornell.edu. 

This U.S. government Child Welfare Information Gateway site has some excellent information about the subject of child abuse.

1-800-4-A-CHILD

The Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Childhelp Hotline helps children in the midst of abuse, troubled parents, individuals concerned that abuse is occurring, and others requesting child abuse information.

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides support and assistance to anyone involved in a domestic violence situation, including those in same-sex relationships, male survivors, those with disabilities and immigrant victims of domestic violence. All calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline are confidential.

Prevent Child Abuse America is a well  established organization of friends, professionals, volunteers, donors and parents providing education and information in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual is a horrible thing for a child to experience.  Abuse or neglect can happen at any point in a child's life and then the child can spend a lifetime trying to overcome the effects. Please use this resource More Child Abuse Help and the Hotlines listed above if you think you know of any child being abused or neglected or if you just want to learn more about child abuse and how you can join the fight to help to prevent it.

For a comprehensive site on all adoption related laws visit Child Adoption Laws.  For general pregnancy, health and developmental issues, please visit Pregnancy And Children.