Stop Child Abuse and Neglect

Child maltreatment is defined as serious harm caused to children by their parents or primary caregivers. This maltreatment can be shown through physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Some of the main causes of this issue include adolescent pregnancies, substance abuse, parents who were maltreated themselves, and housing insecurity along with other major financial disadvantages. CAPTA, The Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, is a policy set in place by the federal government to improve the response to physical neglect and sexual abuse. This policy is committed to protecting children who are unable to protect themselves. The main issue that needs to be addressed is funding. With more funding, we can provide more equitable housing assistance aimed towards low-income families, provide more education for adolescents on the risks of young pregnancies, and more treatment options for families who face challenges of substance use, and previous abuse.