AHA to study role of law enforcement in child abuse and neglect investigations

American Humane Association
Monday, 30 October 2000

Calling it a critical issue in how communities protect children, the American Humane Association (AHA) today announced it will conduct the first national study of the use of law enforcement to respond to and investigate cases of child abuse and neglect. Through a grant from the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation AHA, the national leader in child and animal protection issues, will address the effectiveness of using law enforcement personnel to handle reports and investigations of child abuse and neglect.

"Traditionally, the role of reporting on and investigating charges of child abuse has fallen on social workers," said Paul DiLorenzo, Director of AHA's Children's Services. "If a charge is made, it is the responsibility of a local social service agency to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred, and then what to do to ensure the safety of -children. Over the past few years, we've witnessed a change where some communities are handing that responsibility directly to law enforcement agencies."

DiLorenzo pointed to four counties in Florida and the state of Arkansas as recent examples where the investigation of child abuse cases is handled by law enforcement agencies. In Colorado, the Governor's Task Force on the Welfare of Children has recommended further study of a proposal to take similar action statewide.

"Honestly, this is a hot button issue. Strong arguments have been made in favor of involving law enforcement agencies in investigations, and strong arguments have been made for keeping this under social service agencies. What hasn't been done is a balanced national study of this issue to determine what is in the best interest of children. The American Humane Association is at the forefront of determining what works best to help abused and neglected children and we're pleased to undertake critical work on another cutting edge issue."

The American Humane Association study will provide a comparative look at different social service and law enforcement models. The study will include input from the social service, law enforcement, and judicial arenas. DiLorenzo said the ultimate goal of the two-year project will be a report which will outline and assess various policy options for communities considering the use of law enforcement agencies to handle child abuse cases. AHA's Cindy Parry, Ph.D., Director of Program Evaluation and Research and Vicky Bollenbacher, Ph.D., Research Associate will lead the study. Please direct questions about the study to Vicky Bollenbacher, Ph.D. at Vicky@americanhumane.org or (303) 792-9900.

Since 1878, the American Humane Association has worked to protect children and animals from abuse, cruelty and neglect. It's Children's Services works across the country to strengthen and improve the assistance and treatment abused and neglected children receive in their communities.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org