Legal Definitions - Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is a federal law that provides funding to states for preventing, identifying, and treating child abuse and neglect. It was enacted in 1974 and amended in 1996 to emphasize child safety.

The Act established the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect in the Department of Health and Human Services. This center studies child abuse, conducts research into its causes, and makes grants to agencies for the study, prevention, and treatment of child abuse.

For example, if a child is being physically abused by their parent, CAPTA provides funding to agencies that can help the child and prevent further abuse. CAPTA also helps agencies identify and report cases of child abuse and neglect.

Overall, CAPTA is an important law that helps protect children from abuse and neglect and provides resources to help those who have been affected by it.