1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

The 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is a U.S. federal law designed to address and prevent child abuse and neglect. It provides funding to states for child protective services, encourages the development of better reporting systems, and sets minimum standards for defining and identifying child abuse. The Act also emphasizes the importance of research, education, and training related to child welfare. Its goal is to protect children, promote their well-being, and ensure that communities have the necessary resources to support at-risk families and safeguard children's rights.