Background

Children's Justice Act Grant Background

On June 25, 2003, the President signed the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, Public Law 108-36. The law reauthorizes and amends Section 107(a) of Title I of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act that authorizes grants to States for the purpose of assisting States in developing, establishing, and operating programs designed to improve:

  • the handling of child abuse and neglect cases, particularly cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner which limits additional trauma to the child victim;
  • the handling of cases of suspected child abuse or neglect related fatalities;
  • the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation; and the handling of cases involving children with disabilities or serious health-related problems who are victims of abuse or neglect.