April 29, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2517 EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS (B) commends the faith community, non- b 1230 REGARDING SOCIAL PROBLEM profit organizations, State and local officials A child that was abused to the extent OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT involved in prevention of child abuse and ne- glect, and volunteers throughout America that they were comatose. I think, why Mr. FLETCHER. Madam Speaker, I for their efforts on behalf of abused and ne- should this happen in this great United ask unanimous consent that the Com- glected children everywhere. States. I look at the impact that this mittee on Education and the Workforce The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- has on the events that have occurred, and the Committee on the Judiciary be tleman from Kentucky (Mr. FLETCHER) and not only that, but we look at what discharged from further consideration is recognized for 1 hour. has happened recently as to how much of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Mr. FLETCHER. Madam Speaker, for do we really care about our children. Res. 93) expressing the sense of the purposes of debate only, I yield the cus- Certainly I am honored to speak on Congress regarding the social problem tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman this, the resolution of the gentlewoman of child abuse and neglect and sup- from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT) pending from Ohio (Ms. JONES), and I certainly porting efforts to enhance public which I yield myself such time as I commend her on this. As we are ad- awareness of this problem, and ask for may consume. dressing and focusing more attention its immediate consideration in the Mr. SCOTT. Madam Speaker, I ask on this issue, I hope that we can reduce House. unanimous consent that the gentle- the number of abused children in this The Clerk read the title of the con- woman from Ohio (Mrs. JONES) be al- tragedy in the United States and cer- current resolution. lowed to manage the time and yield de- tainly continue to work. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there bate time on this side. This concurrent resolution will ex- objection to the request of the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there press the growing problem of child tleman from Kentucky? objection to the request of the gen- abuse and neglect. It also focuses on There was no objection. tleman from Virginia? enhancing public awareness. We believe The Clerk read the concurrent reso- There was no objection. that the faith community, nonprofit lution, as follows: Mr. FLETCHER. Madam Speaker, I organizations, State and local officials H. CON. RES. 93 am here today to recognize the contin- involved in abuse and neglect, and vol- Whereas each year more than 3,000,000 chil- ued and very good efforts by the gen- unteers across America must recommit dren in the United States are reported as tlewoman from Ohio (Ms. PRYCE) who themselves to ending this alarming suspected victims of child abuse and neglect; Whereas more than 500,000 American chil- has offered this resolution, and I stand trend. dren are currently unable to live safely with honored to speak on this very impor- Federal dollars should be used in a their families and have been placed in foster tant resolution. constructive manner to maximize the homes and institutions; This resolution calls for a greater prevention of child abuse in our local Whereas it is estimated that more than commitment toward recognizing the communities. It is time for this Nation 1,000 children in the United States, 78 per- problem of child abuse and neglect and to focus more attention and resources cent of whom are less than 5 years of age and encourages more to be done for its pre- on the disturbing problem of child 38 percent of whom are less than 1 year of vention. Specifically it promotes great- age, lose their lives each year as a direct re- abuse. We need to encourage individ- sult of abuse and neglect; er coordination between child protec- uals to take actions in their commu- Whereas the tragic social problem of child tive services agencies, law enforcement nities to ensure a happy, healthy envi- abuse and neglect results in human and eco- agencies and the judicial system in ronment for our children. nomic costs due to its relationship to crime working to prevent such abuse and ne- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of and delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, do- glect. Additionally, it commends the my time. mestic violence, and welfare dependency; and work of those who keep children safe, Whereas April has been designated by the Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I President as Child Abuse Prevention Month including those in the faith commu- yield myself such time as I may con- to focus public awareness on this social ill: nity, nonprofit organizations, State sume. Now, therefore, be it and local agencies and volunteer orga- It gives me great pause as I stand in Resolved by the House of Representatives (the nizations. this Chamber this afternoon to bring to Senate concurring), That— Madam Speaker, as you know, April the floor this resolution with regard to (1) it is the sense of the Congress that— is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The child abuse in America. The statistics (A) the faith community, nonprofit organi- estimated number of children seriously are numbing. In 1997 over 3 million zations, State and local officials involved in prevention of child abuse and neglect, and injured by all forms of maltreatment children were reported for child abuse volunteers throughout the United States quadrupled between 1986 and 1997. The and neglect to child protective agen- should recommit themselves and mobilize estimated number of sexually abused cies. Between 1988 and 1997, child abuse their resources to assist children in danger children increased by 83 percent, the reporting levels increased by 41 per- of abuse or neglect; number of physically neglected chil- cent. Currently, 47 out of every 1,000 (B) Federal resources should be marshalled dren rose 102 percent, there was a 333 children are reported as victims of in a manner that maximizes their impact on percent increase in the estimated num- child mistreatment. In 1997, 1,054,000 the prevention of child abuse and neglect; ber of emotionally neglected children, children were victims of child abuse, or (C) because abuse and neglect of children increases the likelihood that they will later and the estimated number of phys- in other numbers, 15 out of every 1,000 engage in criminal activity, State and local ically abused children rose 42 percent. U.S. children. officials should be provided with increased Now 500,000 American children are cur- A child in the United States is twice flexibility that allows them to use Federal rently unable to live safely with their as likely to be reported as abused or law enforcement resources in the fight to families and have been placed in foster neglected as to be enrolled in Head prevent child abuse and neglect if they con- homes and institutions. Start. Mr. Speaker, 37 percent of Amer- sider that use appropriate; and During Child Abuse Prevention ican parents reported insulting or (D) child protective services agencies, law Month, we should focus the Nation’s swearing at their children within the enforcement agencies, and the judicial sys- attention on this national tragedy and tem should coordinate their efforts to the last 12 months. One of three of all maximum extent possible to prevent child demonstrate gratitude to the people in Americans have witnessed an adult abuse and neglect; and the United States who work to keep physically abuse a child, and two out of (2) the Congress— our children safe. Moreover, Congress three have seen an adult emotionally (A) supports efforts in the United States should continue working to help State abuse a child. to— and local officials in their effort to pre- In 1996, 1,185 child abuse fatalities (i) focus the attention of the Nation on the vent child abuse. were reported. Between 1995 and 1997, 78 disturbing problem of child abuse; With my personal experience I have percent of these children were less than (ii) demonstrate gratitude to the people in witnessed this firsthand, and in my 5 years old at the time of their death. the United States who work to keep children practice in caring for patients, I am safe; and Mr. Speaker, 38 percent were under the (iii) encourage individuals to take action thinking back of one patient in par- age of 1 year old. in their own communities to make them ticular, one small child that we cared It is time that we as a Congress and healthier places in which children can grow for at the University of Kentucky Med- we as a Nation wake up and understand and thrive; and ical Center. the impact that child abuse has not H2518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 1999 only on the child, but the child who In addition, dollars could be allo- jails or sleep on the streets strung out witnesses the abuse; not only on the cated to provide for child protection on drugs, or abuse their own spouse and child as a child, but when he or she be- workers to have access to various children. We can make a difference if comes a juvenile or becomes an adult criminal records, so that when they are we stop the abuse now. We can reduce and again, on their own become a child making a determination with regard to these problems in our future. abuser. It is time that we figure out where young people are assigned or We must recognize that our children how we can prevent child abuse in our what families they are assigned to, are our Nation’s most precious re- country, and how we can marshal the they would take that information into source and redouble our efforts to fight necessary assets for it, in light of the consideration. As I said, it is impor- child abuse. This is why we are here fact that our dollars are innumerable, tant. today. in order to deal with this issue. My colleagues see the blue ribbon Throughout this month, a number of We have all been numbed over the that we are all wearing today, all of us us have been wearing blue ribbons, as past week, week and a half about the throughout the House, all of us all over the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. events in Colorado. We are numb today Capitol Hill. The blue ribbon stands for JONES) referred to, as part of a cam- about a similar event in Canada. We Child Abuse Prevention Month, but it paign which is being waged across the are numbed about the use of guns by also stands for the young people who Nation during Child Abuse Prevention our children, but contemplate acting were killed in Colorado. It is time, it is Month. In fact, I received my blue rib- out such as these children did with time, it is time that we as a Nation bon from my constituent, Debbie guns could, in fact, be a result of child wake up. Sendek, Executive Director of the Ohio abuse in their earlier life. Many of the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Committee to Prevent Child Abuse. statistics have shown that someone my time. Debbie Sendek is but one of the thou- who was an abused child is likely to be Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield sands of unsung heroes across our Na- an abuser later on in life, is likely to such time as she may consume to the tion who are in our communities on act out in some type of conduct that gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. PRYCE). the front lines in the fight to protect would be inappropriate. Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I our children, and it is all of these un- I am pleased to stand on the floor of thank the good doctor, the gentleman sung heroes that we recognize and com- this House today to talk about solving from Kentucky (Mr. FLETCHER) for mend today through this resolution. the issue of child abuse and neglect in yielding me this time. However, I am sure that we would all our country. Mr. Speaker, for the past few weeks agree that the most important goal of Prior to coming to Congress, I served we have all been mourning the loss of Child Abuse Prevention Month is to for 8 years as the Cuyahoga County the 12 innocent children who were so protect our children. With 3 million prosecutor in Cleveland, Ohio, and it brutally slain in Littleton, Colorado. children in the United States reported was part of my responsibility to deal Today, we take this time to focus on as victims of child abuse and neglect with the issue of child abuse and ne- other innocent children who lose their every year, we have a lot to do. While glect. One of the things that we were lives to other inconceivable acts of vio- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, able to do in that jurisdiction was to in lence. I believe Congress must rededicate fact train assistant prosecutors who, in As many know, the President de- fact, were specially trained to handle itself to fighting this national tragedy clared April as Child Abuse Prevention child abuse and neglect cases. We found 12 months a year, and we need to make Month, and we bring this bipartisan that we had an overwhelming greater sure that this resolution is only the be- resolution to the floor to help focus the success in winning our prosecutions be- ginning and not the end of our efforts. Nation’s attention on this national Congress must continue seeking ways cause they were specially trained. In tragedy. to help those on the State and local addition, we were able to take the at- During the time which I stand before torneys who represent Cuyahoga Coun- level to fight child abuse. To do this, I my colleagues for the next few min- ty as attorneys in court on the civil have joined with colleagues on both utes, at least one child will be reported side on abuse and neglect, to give them sides of the aisle in introducing the abused or neglected in my home State an opportunity to call the shots; in Child Abuse Prevention and Enforce- of Ohio. By the time this hour of de- other words, to make the legal deter- ment Act, or the CAPE Act. In a nut- mination with regard to when we bate is over, 20 children will have been shell, this bill will provide State and would proceed with a case of abuse or reported abused or neglected, 480 by local officials greater flexibility to use neglect or when we would not proceed. day’s end, and that is just one State, existing Federal law enforcement re- I take my hat off today to the work- and those are just the reported cases. sources for child abuse prevention. ers in the child protection services. I These statistics are staggering. Also, the bill would double the ear- take my hat off today to law enforce- But sometimes statistics are too mark from $10 million to $20 million in ment in child protection services, and sterile to demonstrate the real trag- the crime victims fund for child abuse to the attorneys, because if one does edy, because child abuse cases are not victims. All of these funds come from that work day after day and one sees just statistics. Each case involves an forfeited bail bonds, forfeited assets the young people who have been abused innocent, fragile, living, breathing and fines paid to the Federal Govern- and neglected, not only at the hands of child who has a name and a face. Each ment, not from taxpayers’ dollars. their parents or their loved ones but bruise, broken bone, cigarette burn or The bill has the support of the Na- the hands of children in similar age death not only hurts that child, but tional Child Abuse Coalition, Prevent groups, one will understand how it is a also hurts all of us, because it so often Child Abuse America, and the Chris- profession that causes high burnout. means one less bright light for our Na- tian Coalition, just to name a few, and I am pleased to be a sponsor of a tion’s future. I urge all of my colleagues to sign on. piece of legislation called CAPE, in A sad fact, Mr. Speaker, is that many Mr. Speaker, abused children do not conjunction with my colleague from child abusers are themselves victims of have a powerful voting block; they do Ohio (Ms. PRYCE), and we have other abuse or neglect, which suggests a vi- not have high-paid lobbyists in Wash- sponsors as well. Under the CAPE Act cious cycle of criminality. Aside from ington to champion their cause. That we are proposing that dollars that are its relationship to crime and delin- is why we must take this initiative and collected from forfeiture in drug cases quency, child abuse and neglect is also work it together in a bipartisan fash- be allocated to provide for dollars to closely linked to drug and alcohol ion to continue the fight to protect our train child protection workers. abuse, domestic violence and welfare Nation’s children. Currently, under the law as it exists, dependency. Therefore, in a very real Finally, I would like to thank my fel- only $10 million is allocated for that sense child abuse prevention also is low original cosponsors of this resolu- purpose. Under the law that we have crime prevention, drug prevention and tion for their support: the gentleman proposed, $20 million would be allo- welfare dependency prevention. from Texas (Mr. DELAY), without cated to provide additional dollars If we only could have paid more at- whose help we would not be here today; through the Byrne Grant proposal for tention up front to prevent the abuse the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. training for child protection workers. of those who years later will fill our HYDE); the gentleman from Florida April 29, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2519

(Mr. MCCOLLUM); the gentleman from ganizations, State and local officials The majority of juvenile offenders, Pennsylvania (Mr. GOODLING); the gen- involved in prevention of child abuse teenage runaways and adult criminals tlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. and neglect, and volunteers throughout in this country were abused as chil- JOHNSON); the gentleman from Illinois the United States. We ask them to re- dren. (Mr. EWING); the gentleman from Penn- commit themselves. We also applaud In a home for young, unwed troubled sylvania (Mr. GREENWOOD); the gen- the works that they have done. mothers in my district in Lancaster, tleman from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT); and In my own hometown in Houston, Pennsylvania, called Beth Shalom, I my good friend, the gentlewoman from Harris County, I have had the pleasure have visited many of these young la- the great State of Ohio (Mrs. JONES), of co-chairing a committee that pro- dies who have suffered through terrible who has had so much personal experi- moted foster parents to encourage childhoods full of abuse, and they are ence in this area. them, to recruit more of them, so that now struggling not to repeat the pat- To recognize all of those who work in instances of tragic circumstances terns with their own young children. tirelessly in the field who see these where we find a child from an abused Mr. Speaker, we also know that the tragedies up close, we dedicate this home, we can immediately transfer most harsh price of child abuse is month, and set our sights to do what that child into a loving foster care cir- death. As we have heard, more than we can as the United States Congress cumstance. 1,000 children in the United States, 78 How terrible it is to read in our news- to stem the tide of one of the saddest, percent under the age of 5, 38 percent papers that a foster care situation was most horrifying aspects of this great under the age of 1, lose their lives not available, or that a child protec- country, and that is child abuse. every year as a direct result of abuse tion services worker could not find a Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the and neglect. This is a tragedy hap- place for that child, or who had visited resolution. pening in America today. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I that abusive home and had left that child in the abusive home with the Mr. Speaker, we cannot call atten- yield such time as she may consume to tion to this issue just once a year. Our the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. hope that it would get better, only to find in the next morning’s news, to efforts require a year-round focus and a JACKSON-LEE). continuation of our work with State Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. read that the child is dead because it was left in a home that was abusive and local officials who are working so Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman hard to prevent child abuse. from Ohio for yielding me this time. and had no support system. I believe we must promote foster This must be a community effort. Let me congratulate both the gentle- care, parenting and foster care sys- Our children deserve all of the love and woman from Ohio (Ms. PRYCE) and the tems, and we should support them, pro- energy we have to keep them safe and gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. JONES) vide the resources for those foster care healthy. I strongly support this resolu- for their leadership, and simply to add parents. tion, and urge the Members to vote in my voice in support of H. Con. Res. 93, Then I think it is imperative, as I favor. and particularly emphasizing the need wear the ribbon in commemoration of Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I for protecting our children in America. this month, but as well, the tragic kill- yield such time as she may consume to b 1245 ing of those young people in Littleton, my colleague from the great State of This is Child Abuse and Neglect Colorado, along with all the other North Carolina (Mrs. EVA CLAYTON). Awareness Month, the month of April. young people who have died at the Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I I would simply like to say to my col- hands of violence, to know that some thank the gentlewoman from Ohio for leagues, let us look to the future when of those who were the perpetrators suf- yielding me the time, I thank her for such a day will not be needed or such a fered from child abuse and neglect, and her leadership, and I also appreciate month will not be needed. we did not intervene at an early age. the fact that this is a bipartisan effort I also say we should promote more As a cochair of the Congressional led by the great State of Ohio and funding for mental health services for Children’s Caucus, we have committed other Members who are joining with our children, with more funding for ourselves to promoting children as a us. school nurses, more funding for guid- national agenda. In the last session we Mr. Speaker, this is a time where we ance counselors. recognize child abuse, but hopefully, as were able to secure an additional $11 Most of all, let me say that we all million to support the Children’s Men- the previous speaker said, this is not a should embrace this month with a re- one-time-a-year event, but this is a tal Health Services Program under commitment in support of, one, the Health and Human Services. recognition that our children are our legislation, the CAPE Act, but as well, most precious gift. They represent our What we find with respect to our a recommitment that maybe in our children who are abused and neglected future. They are our hope. Therefore, lifetime we will not celebrate or com- we should be investing in their healthy are the kinds of devastating numbers memorate, rather, the month that has that suggest that more than 500,000 existence. We should have been invest- to bring attention to child abuse and ing in their safe existence, as well. American children are currently un- neglect; that we can say we have wiped Child abuse has many aspects to it. able to live safely with their families, it out, we have extinguished it, that we First, we do want to support this reso- and have been placed in foster homes really do what this Nation should do, lution, which gives public advocacy to and institutions. which is to love our children and to it and recognizes the many individuals We also find it estimated that more save our children. than 1,000 children in the United I thank the gentlewoman for her who are in there professionally doing it States, 78 percent of whom are less courtesies for extending me this time. every day. It does take a lot for them than 5 years of age and 38 percent of Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to stay in that. It takes a continuous whom are less than 1 year of age, lose 2 minutes to the gentleman from Penn- commitment to have that energy and their lives each year as a direct result sylvania (Mr. PITTS). not be burned out, so we want to com- of abuse and neglect. Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in mend those professionals who are in If any of us can express the priceless support of House Concurrent Resolu- there. feeling of cuddling a 5-year-old, a 1- tion 93. We also want to commend a com- year-old, maybe a 13-year-old, we are As we have heard, April is Child prehensive approach. There is obvi- obviously outraged at the thought of Abuse Prevention Month. For any par- ously a law enforcement part of this, those children being abused physically ent or adult who has witnessed the de- there is a health enforcement part of or mentally, and not getting the full- spair in a child’s eyes after he or she this, there is a psychological and men- ness of what an adult can give, which is has gone for so long without the love tal health part of this, there is a spir- loving and nurturing. and nurturing that he or she so strong- itual involvement with this, and the This tragic social problem is an epi- ly craves and needs, it is community as a whole should be in- demic, so I join with my colleagues to heartwrenching. volved. We need to see this as a com- ask for and to give encouragement to Mr. Speaker, we know many of the munity response, where all of us have the faith community, the nonprofit or- results that come from child abuse. an opportunity to play a part. H2520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 1999 I am reminded of a poem that Edward over the past 2 years. We have also we are of them, how we understand Hale has said, and others have re- been involved as volunteers for the that they are underpaid, overworked, minded us this week of that. It says, ‘‘I Court-Appointed Special Advocates, and that many times their caseloads am only one, but I am one. What I can CASA, and child advocates of Fort just continue to balloon without any do, I ought to do. By God’s grace, I will Bend County for almost 5 years. We support in sight. do it.’’ have only recently talked publicly of b 1300 Here is an opportunity where indi- our family life, in the hopes that oth- It is important that we let them vidual actions with a parent who is ers might be encouraged to become in- know that we care about them and that having problems and struggling with volved with the children at risk in this issue is important to all Ameri- overcoming his or her past of having their own communities. cans. It is important that we as a com- been an abused child, now trying to The strength of America, the true munity stop watching child abuse struggling to be a decent and honorable greatness of America, is not only in the occur and do what the law and moral- parent, we need to engage ourselves as moral fiber of her people and in the in- ity requires us to do, which is to say individuals with that. tegrity of her leaders, but also is re- Again, I commend all of our col- something about it, report it, be will- vealed by how we treat those who are ing to step forward and tell what we leagues to support this resolution, but the most vulnerable. more than just support this resolution, saw happen. It is important that we as There are none more vulnerable in a community, as we talk about what it to be engaged in this worthwhile activ- our society, none heard less, than the ity, making sure that our children not is we can do about child prevention, children that suffer from abuse and ne- that we are willing to give not only our only are healthy and safe, but making glect. We must be their voice. We must sure that their lives are the kinds of personal dollars but be willing to be speak loudly and speak out with our supportive of the government giving lives that will be productive and they time and our resources and our love. will make a contribution. dollars to child abuse prevention. And Get involved. No effort is too small and finally it is important that all of us, Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield no child beyond our reach. 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas those of us that are Members of Con- Let me just close by commending my gress, sign on not only to the resolu- (Mr. DELAY). colleague, the gentlewoman from Ohio Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, I commend tion celebrating or bringing to the (Ms. DEBORAH PRYCE), one of the best the leadership of the gentleman from floor the issues of child abuse, but to mothers and legislators I know. I so ap- Kentucky (Mr. FLETCHER) and the gen- also sign on to the CAPE act that will preciate her efforts on behalf of our Na- tlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. TUBBS give dollars to local communities to be tion’s children, and I am honored to JONES) in bringing this legislation to able to combat child abuse. join her as an original cosponsor of the the floor. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance As people honor April as Child Abuse child abuse prevention and awareness of my time. Prevention Month by wearing blue rib- resolution, as well as the Child Abuse Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield bons, listening to speeches, mourning Prevention and Enforcement Act. 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from innocent lives lost or damaged, and Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I Connecticut (Mrs. JOHNSON). Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. celebrating the valiant efforts of those yield myself such time as I may con- Speaker, I thank the gentleman for who have made a difference, my prayer sume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to re- yielding me this time, and I rise in is that we as a Nation would recommit strong support of this resolution. ourselves to this issue. view a few more facts with the Mem- bers. As I stated earlier, I served as the One of my colleagues earlier de- We as parents and Americans must scribed as the inconceivable acts of vi- realize our collective responsibility for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, pros- ecuting child abuse in Cuyahoga Coun- olence some of the things we have wit- the well-being of our children. Their fu- nessed in America’s high schools re- ture is, indeed, our country’s future, ty and being responsible for abuse and neglect cases. cently, but that people like my col- and therein lies a moral imperative league from Ohio witnessed day in and that we cannot afford to ignore. I also have had the opportunity to serve for 10 years as a judge in Cuya- day out from adults in America toward The numbers are daunting. In 1997, children in America. And, indeed, what there were 3 million cases of child hoga County, where in many instances I was required to listen to testimony children in America, what some chil- abuse and neglect. Today, at least dren in America are suffering at the 500,000 American children are in foster and judge the credibility of a young person who was being presented for hands of their own parents can only be care and institutions because they can- described as inconceivable acts of vio- not live safely with their own families. purposes of testifying with regard to some abuse that he or she had suffered. lence. Unfortunately, costs of government It took this Nation a number of dec- To look into the eyes of a child, to programs skyrocket, while there are ades to understand the significance of require them to walk into a courtroom, more broken families, more abused domestic abuse and to actually change to be required to tell the world about children, more teenaged parents, and the laws so that beating one’s wife was more foster children getting bumped terrible incidents of what had occurred treated under the law exactly the same around for years without being adopt- to them, I cannot even tell Members way as beating a neighbor’s wife; that, ed. how my heart would bleed. in fact, assault and battery, whether it This resolution expresses the sense of Mr. Speaker, as I stand here this was against one’s wife or anyone else Congress that current statistics merit afternoon, as with my other colleagues, was equally a crime. And as we came to our commitment to intervene in the vi- I look forward to the time wherein we understand that, we had to change cious cycle of child abuse. It says that will not have to celebrate Child Abuse many, many laws and we had to change we need to marshal Federal resources Prevention Month. I look forward to the way emergency room personnel in order to maximize their impact on the time where we will not have to cel- talked to women who came into emer- the prevention of child abuse and ne- ebrate Domestic Violence Month. I gency rooms and police responded to glect. Sometimes it is clear that the look forward to the time where we domestic abuse calls. most effective reform by the Federal have created a society wherein people We have come a long way now in in- Government is to simply cut red tape feel good about their relationships, tegrating into our understanding the and empower local communities. wherein they care about one another, early warning signs of domestic abuse As with most social problems, gov- wherein they understand that what and we are better at responding and ernment can only do so much to solve goes around comes around, where they better at early intervention, but we them. Local communities, families, understand that what you do to a child have not done this in the area of child and individuals must join together at an early age has an indeterminable abuse prevention. We have passed laws with government agencies to fight and impact as they go on later on in their about mandated reporters, we have to address the needs of children in the lives. tried many things, but we do not inte- system. It is important that we let the child grate into our everyday lives a sensi- My wife, Christine, and I have two protection workers who work in this tivity to the needs of families where foster kids in our home, and have had area every day know how supportive abuse is brewing or present. April 29, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2521 And so this resolution that points to piece of legislation and this resolution. yielding me this time. I am pleased to legislation that these leaders are going I am pleased as a brand new Member of come here today and to talk about the to bring to this floor and that our Com- Congress to be able to participate in resolution honoring child abuse preven- mittee on the Judiciary is going to some bipartisan legislation that will tion and awareness month and also to consider and discharge will begin to impact our entire Nation. speak about a piece of legislation that look at every crime prevention pro- Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield works into the area of prevention of gram and assure that crime prevention 2 minutes to the gentleman from New abuse and child awareness which is includes child abuse prevention be- York (Mr. FOSSELLA). called the CAPE Act. cause, essentially, none of that money Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I This is a piece of legislation which I is being used for this very, very impor- thank the gentleman for yielding me originally sponsored with Susan Mol- tant purpose. And there are many this time, and, Mr. Speaker, I believe inari, and now I am cosponsoring along other things we can do. there is no greater responsibility that with the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. This Congress passed the Safe Homes we have as public officials than to pro- DEBORAH PRYCE), the gentleman from and Adoption Act a year and a half tect the innocent. And there is no Texas (Mr. TOM DELAY), and the gen- ago. We just had an excellent hearing greater group of innocent people than tlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. STEPHANIE on that. And it has helped to focus on young children. TUBBS JONES). We are extremely these families early on and helped the Sadly, there are those in this country pleased with the reception of this legis- families either deal with their prob- who are compelled, for whatever rea- lation, and we think that it has tre- lems or infants to be discharged for son, unbeknownst to any human being mendous ability in a very small way to adoption where there is no hope that with common sense and decency, to loosen the bonds or the restrictions the family can deal with its problems abuse a child, physically and/or men- that too often are put on local govern- in such a way that abuse will not be re- tally scarring the child for life. We see ments who are fighting this battle with curring in a long-term part of a child’s it manifested in many different ways; the money we send them. That is really growing up. So we have made progress. yet for some reason, whether we are a basically what we do here. We give But there is so much more to do, not Democrat or a Republican, when we see breathing room to local governments only in our criminal statutes and in a young baby, it always brings a smile to fight this problem. our crime prevention statutes but also to our face. But to know that there are I am not going to go into statistics in those statutes that govern how this people who would willingly abuse a today. They are pretty gruesome. They Nation funds child abuse and preven- young innocent child walking the are very, very sobering when we think tion. As chairman of the committee streets of our country is just beyond about what is happening in this coun- that has responsibility for those funds the bounds of human reasoning. try. And probably the one statistic for our child protective services pro- So I am happy and I compliment the that is most alarming is that those gram, I can say we have a lot of work sponsor of this legislation which will at children who are abused children them- to do. least raise the level of consciousness selves become abusers and criminals We have got to change the way we one more notch. Because we need to and addicted to drugs and alcohol and fund these services so that money does stand united and to demonstrate that all of the things that we think are bad not follow placement into foster care, this great country, with its moral in our society. They are more suscep- which represents failure to prevent, underpinnings, is concerned about tible to those things than children that failure to restore, and failure to inter- every child that walks the face of the have a healthy environment in which vene when a family has an opportunity Earth, and that we, most importantly, to grow up in. to become whole not only for that one can make a difference. So I would just ask all of those in the abused child but for others who may be It is beyond just the abuse itself. We Congress, Mr. Speaker, to join in this affected but maybe not as clearly and, have been successful on Staten Island bipartisan effort. We can fight crisis therefore, not removed. in developing a child advocacy center. around the world, but in child abuse we So we have to change the way we In short, what that means is that the have a crisis right here in America. It deal with this problem, to move to a poor child who is abused, sexually, is time to put our best efforts towards far more holistic approach, and the op- physically, sometimes as young as 6 solving that problem and moving ahead portunity is there for us. When we look months old, these poor children who with new solutions. at what we have done in welfare re- would then have the trauma of repeat- I believe that the CAPE Act will form, it is really a model. We have pro- ing this story 8, 10, 15 different times allow us just a small step in that direc- vided more money for services to wel- to assistant district attorneys, to po- tion, and I hope, Mr. Speaker, that we fare women coming off welfare than lice officers, to child welfare workers, can count on strong support from the ever in this Nation’s history by pro- will no longer have to do so because Members of this body so that we will viding much greater flexibility and a what we did is consolidated our oper- send that legislation to the Senate as more responsive Federal program. And ations. well as pass this resolution here today that is my goal in child protective I compliment my predecessor, Susan on child abuse and awareness month. services funding. Molinari, for spearheading this before Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield I look forward to working with she left Congress. It is a way of bring- 3 minutes to the gentleman from New women of experience and men of expe- ing a little reason and comfort to these York (Mr. GILMAN). rience and deep concern in this body, poor children. I would encourage other (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given and I thank the gentlewoman from communities across this country, if in- permission to revise and extend his re- Ohio (Mrs. TUBBS JONES) for her experi- deed they do not already have them, to marks.) ence, interest and dedication to this explore this option. It minimizes an al- Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank matter. ready tragic situation for a young child the gentleman for yielding me this The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and, at the same time, sends a signal to time. I am pleased to rise today in sup- GILLMOR). Does the gentlewoman from child abusers that this is a zero toler- port of this concurrent resolution, H. Ohio (Mrs. JONES) wish to reclaim her ance policy. Con. Res. 93, the sense of Congress re- time? Mr. Speaker, I want to once again garding child abuse and neglect, and Mrs. JONES of Ohio. I do, Mr. Speak- compliment the sponsors of this legis- enhancing the public’s awareness of er. lation. this problem. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Child abuse, whether sexual, physical objection, the gentlewoman from Ohio 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illi- or emotional, is a growing problem in (Mrs. JONES) may reclaim her time. nois (Mr. EWING). this Nation which we should view with There was no objection. (Mr. EWING asked and was given per- a great deal of alarm. Every child has Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I mission to revise and extend his re- the right to grow up in a safe, well yield myself such time as I may con- marks.) cared for environment. The most tragic sume only to thank my colleagues who Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the thing about child abuse is it is often in- have worked so hard with me on this gentleman, the acting chairman, for flicted by someone close to the child H2522 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 29, 1999 who should be concerned with that private resources to prevent child abuse and Children's Homestead in my Congressional child’s welfare rather than inflicting neglect. District, that's exactly what Shannon was that kind of harm. Children are our most precious gifts. We are given. Regrettably, far too many families responsible for their education, their safety, And what difference did it make? Today are simply incapable of raising chil- their health, and their lives. We should do ev- Shannon attends College. She plans to go into dren without resorting to abuse. The erything we can to protect our children and hotel management. end result is that the child often learns ensure that their lives are safe from harm. When she looks back to high school, Shan- violence as an acceptable way to con- Yet, a sad truth remains that not all children non sees A's and B's on her report cards; she vey ones’s feelings and release stress. are free from abuse and neglect. In 1997 looks at photos of herself in the sports section Thus, the patterns of abuse usually alone, more than 1 million cases of child of the yearbook; she sees herself on stage at continue with future generations. abuse and neglect were confirmed by child the promÐa member of the prom court. In addition to the physical harm im- protective service agencies in the United Shannon is blessed. parted on the child from sexual abuse, States. One million children confirmed. But we must also remember how much there is psychological damage which If that statistic wasn't disturbing enough, we more we need to do. often lasts long into adulthood, affect- know what the results of childhood abuse and In 1992, less than 30,000 children in Illinois ing the child’s future adult relation- neglect can be. We know that abused and ne- were removed from their homes and placed ships. glected children do not perform as well in into the child welfare system because they were victims of severe abuse and neglect. b 1315 school. In some cases, physical abuse of chil- dren can result in brain damage, cerebral Just last year, that number had increased to Even worse, sexual abuse robs a child palsy, and learning disorders. over 50,000. That's more than a 66 percent in- of his or her innocence long before that Perhaps most troubling of all, we know that crease in only six years. Each one of those innocence should be taken away. And there is a vicious cycle surrounding child numbers may be another Shannon. A child whereas many adults who physically abuse. Adults abused as children are at higher who needs our helpÐliterally needs our abuse their children can, with the help risk of arrest for sex crimes. helpÐto survive. of extensive counseling, overcome their By recognizing April as Child Abuse Preven- As the numbers of children in need comes problems and the dangerous patterns of tion Month, we alert communities all over our close to doubling, we must redouble our ef- behavior, that same success does not country to this tragic social illness that hurts forts to help them. I rise to commemorate the usually occur with sexual abusers. our most precious and vulnerable resource. work of those who have done so much. As All too often, sexual predators of We recognize that child abuse is a complex Shannon's story tells us, we can make a dif- children repeat their acts of abuse even problem. The solution requires action from ev- ference for childrenÐone at a time. after being punished for earlier actions. eryone in each city and state. We need to Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Those individuals need to either be de- support and expand local officials' efforts to back the balance of my time, and I terred from committing their acts or prevent abuse. We need religious leaders to move the previous question on the con- effectively punished for their behavior. lend a supportive and understanding voice for current resolution. So I want to commend my col- families. We need to also support programs The previous question was ordered. The concurrent resolution was agreed leagues, the gentleman from Illinois for families that prepare individuals for the job (Mr. HYDE), the gentlewoman from to. of parenting. A motion to reconsider was laid on Ohio (Ms. PRYCE), the gentleman from Most importantly, by recognizing Child the table. Illinois (Mr. EWING), the gentleman Abuse Prevention Month, we also tell victims f from Texas (Mr. DELAY), the gentle- of child abuse that they are not forgotten. We woman from Ohio (Mrs. JONES), for see you and we will help you. We must re- GENERAL LEAVE bringing this measure to the floor at member that truly effective prevention efforts Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I ask this time. must include treatment for children who have unanimous consent that all Members I ask my colleagues to support this been abused or neglected. may have 5 legislative days within measure. The lingering anguish we feel toward the which to revise and extend their re- Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I tragedy in Littleton, Colorado captures how we marks and include extraneous material yield myself such time as I may con- feel when our children are harmed. We need on H. Con. Res. 93. sume only to say to all of my col- to break this cycle and prevent child abuse The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. leagues who have appeared here this from ever occurring. SIMPSON). Is there objection to the re- afternoon that I thank them for com- I urge my colleagues to support Represent- quest of the gentleman from Ken- ing out in support of our resolution. We ative PRYCE's resolution that calls on a collec- tucky? look forward to the same support on tive effort to raise awareness and prevent There was no objection. the CAPE Act when it comes to the child abuse and neglect in our communities. I f floor. want to thank Representative PRYCE for her Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance work on this important issue. NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK of my time. Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- (Mr. GOODE asked and was given Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield port of Mrs. PRYCE's Resolution. This month is permission to address the House for 1 myself 2 minutes to close and say cer- Child Abuse Prevention Month and I am minute.) tainly it has been a great pleasure to pleased to be able to support this resolution Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, the week work with the gentlewoman from Ohio which commemorates those who are helping of May 9 is National Hospital Week, (Mrs. JONES) and the other sponsors of to alleviate the evils of child abuse and ne- when communities across the country this resolution. glect. celebrate the health care workers, vol- Obviously, as this month is Child Together, we can make a difference, one unteers, and other health professionals. Abuse Prevention Month, we certainly child at a time. This year’s theme for National Hos- are encouraged to see the increased ef- I recently learned about the life of one child pital Week is ‘‘People Care, Miracles fort that Congress will make, that we and the difference she felt in her life. Three Happen.’’ can make at this national level to years ago, Shannon was a 16-year-old girl A great example of this theme is an work with local folks, work with law suffering from neglect and despair. She never event called Martha’s Market at Mar- enforcement, with health care, with knew her father. Her sister had been taken tha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottes- faith communities, as well as all parts away by the state and placed in foster care. ville, Virginia. Martha’s Market is a of our local communities, to ensure Her brother was in state prison for attempted weekend event that transforms an in- that we provide a safer place for our murder. And her mother couldn't seem to help door tennis facility into a shopping children, that we continue to increase her. plaza with 40 unique boutique vendors. the awareness of this problem, that we Shannon wasn't interested in life. She was The event began as a fund-raiser by a can, as the future goes on, do a better depressed, in and out of psychiatric care be- group of enthusiastic volunteers who job in making sure that our children tween suicide attempts. She was failing in wanted to raise awareness of breast are safe. school. cancer, and it won the American Hos- Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Shannon needed a home. And thanks to the pital Association’s prestigious Hospital support of the resolution calling for public and dedication of some very special people at Our Award for Volunteer Excellence.