John Boehner: “I support H.R. 5601, the ``Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2002,'' to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention…”

“I support H.R. 5601, the ``Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2002,'' to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and its' related programs and acts. This bill is an alternative to the original bill, H.R. 3839, on which we were unable to reach agreement, and puts forth our efforts and commitment to ensure that programs aimed at the prevention of child abuse and neglect continue. This bill improves program implementation and makes improvements to current law to ensure that states have the necessary resources and flexibility to properly address the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Specifically, the bill: Maintains important federal resources for identifying and addressing issues of child abuse and neglect. Promotes the prevention of child abuse and neglect before it occurs. Supports efforts to ensure that the current programs are operating effectively. Promotes partnerships between child protective services and private and community-based organizations to improve child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment services. Ensures that individuals are informed of abuse or neglect allegations against them, while ensuring the integrity of the confidential informant system. Improves public education on the role of the child protective services system and appropriate reporting of suspected incidents of child abuse and neglect. Improves the training, recruitment and retention of individuals providing services to children and families.”