During Child Abuse Prevention Month, CLM shares important data and amplifies key legislative priorities to promote child and family well-being
Throughout this month, we are raising awareness on how to better support families and prevent child maltreatment across the state and country. Many bills we prioritize and endorse at CLM aim to protect children and strengthen families, and ultimately, prevent child abuse at the source.
State investment in preventative measures reduces child maltreatment.
- For every $1,000 spent by states on benefits per person living in poverty, there is an 8% reduction in child fatalities due to maltreatment.
- Further, increasing annual state investment into public benefit programs by 13.3% results in a 3x reduction in child maltreatment-related costs
- To learn more about the intersection of poverty, the child welfare system, and child maltreatment, check out our fact sheet.
When states invest in economic supports catered to low-income communities, families experiencing deep poverty, and various public benefits programs, research shows a clear reduction in child maltreatment, physical abuse, neglect, child welfare system involvement, child poverty, and food scarcity cases. Further, investing in preventative measures will save money for the state in the long run by reducing the need to fund more expensive consequences in the future.
Government and community-based providers work hand in hand to safeguard and support the most vulnerable and in need in our communities, especially children. The state has to make smart investments that ensure that families and children at-risk are equipped with access to the resources, support systems, and tools they need to thrive and succeed.
The Children's Bureau's Prevention Resource Guide highlights important strategies community providers can adopt in order to mitigate or eliminate risk in families and communities, in turn, increasing the health, safety and well-being of children and families. For example, promoting 'protective factors', or positive conditions/attributes in individuals, families, communities, and the general public, can help parents find resources, supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even during times of stress. For a wealth of information on how to better support communities and families at risk, read through the 2024 Prevention Resource Guide.
CLM advocates for policies that promote child safety and family and well-being.
Many key priorities on CLM's policy agenda serve as preventative measures to reduce child neglect and maltreatment, including:
State Legislative Priorities
An Act Establishing a Bill of Rights of Children and Foster Care (S.68 / H.164)
An Act to Strengthen Justice and Support for Sex Trade Survivors (H.1597 / S.983)
An Act to Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty (S.75 / H.144)
An Act to Ensure Equitable Health Coverage for Children (Cover All Kids) (S.740 / H.1237)
An Act increasing access to postpartum home visiting services (S.672 / H.985)
State Budget Priorities
Family Support and Stabilization (line item 4800-0040)
Child Sex Abuse Prevention (line item 3000-2060)
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (line item 4403-2000)
Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (line item 4408-1000)
Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (line item 4800-0036)
Child Abuse Prevention Resources: