Thomas Foley: “when I look at my young nephews, I see the innocence and joy that only childhood can bring. This is the time of their…”

“when I look at my young nephews, I see the innocence and joy that only childhood can bring. This is the time of their lives that should be treasured and preserved. It saddens me to know that so many children are robbed of this innocence, or even worse, lose their lives at the hands of abuse. Even while our overall crime statistics have declined dramatically, child abuse continues to rise. According to the Child Welfare League of America, five children and infants die each day from abuse and neglect. This is five children too many. Last year I sponsored the Volunteers For Children Act, a bill that was signed into law by President Clinton. Volunteers For Children will help to protect children in after-school activities from being in the care of people with dangerous criminal records. This is an important step, but it is not enough. We must attack child abuse at every opportunity, by investigating reported abuse thoroughly, by ensuring that children are not returned to abusive environments that they have been taken out of, and penalties for convicted abusers need to become much tougher. Furthermore, we must ensure that children have safe places to go whenever they are in danger. Madam Speaker, as my colleagues all probably know, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and today has been designated Children's Memorial Day, a day to remember children who have been killed and to resolve anew to stop violence against children.”