Fighting for children

Child abuse is a problem of national importance. Nationwide, billions of dollars are spent on the child welfare system, belt child abuse rates remain high. At the federal level new laws, such as the Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act, the Foster Care Independence Act, and the Adoption and Safe Families Act, represent steps toward addressing the problem. However increased efforts are needed to mise awareness of the problem of child abuse and to prevent it. Furthermore, more attention is needed to address the need for reform of the child welfare system and to involve the private sector in helping abused children.