CWLA Says President's Budget for Abused Kids Encouraging But Doesn't Go Far Enough

Child Welfare League of America
Tuesday, 10 April 2001

"We are encouraged by several items in President Bush's first budget that will support the nation's efforts to stop child abuse and neglect," said Shay Bilchik, Executive Director of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). "Although the proposed new spending is modest relative to the size of the nation's problem, we look forward to working with the Administration and the Congress to ensure that every child in need of care and protection receives it."

Bilchik further stated that child abuse and neglect is a huge social problem with nearly 3 million reports of child abuse and neglect annually, nearly 1,000 related child deaths, and almost 600,000 children placed in the protective custody of state governments. Child abuse and neglect is highly correlated with other social problems such as criminal behavior, mental illness, school performance, homelessness, and teen pregnancy.

Bilchik said the new proposals by the Administration are a positive start for reducing child abuse and neglect but that more is needed. He cited high social worker caseloads, rapid turnover rates among child welfare staff, and long waits for treatment by distressed children and families, including substance abuse treatment.

CWLA is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization with nearly 1,200 member agencies.

For more information, or to contact Child Welfare League of America, see their website at: www.cwla.org