Establishes a temporary commission of child abuse prevention

Summary of provisions

Section 1: It is acknowledged that child abuse is a continuing problem in New York State and impacts at least 80,000 children each year. The Legislature finds that the failure to address child abuse through preventive measures imposes a tremendous cost to society.

Section 2: The "commission of child abuse prevention" is established.

Section 3: Provides that the commission shall consist of thirteen members, to be appointed as follows: three members by the Governor; three members by the Temporary President of the Senate; three by the Speaker of the Assembly; two by the Minority Leader of the senate; and two by the Minority Leader of the Assembly. The appointed members must have demonstrated expertise in and experience with the field of child abuse prevention. The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected by a majority of the members of the commission.

Section 4: The members of the commission shall receive no compensation but are allowed reimbursement for expenses.

Section 5: The commission is allowed to utilize personnel for the purposes of its functions and possess the powers of a legislative committee.

Section 6: The commission may undertake studies, inquiries, surveys or analyses in cooperation with or by agreement with any other public or private agency.

Section 7: The commission is required to make a report of its findings to the Governor and legislative leaders within one year after the effective date of this act.

Section 8: Establishes an effective date

Existing law

None.

Justification

Approximately 1,300 children die each year in this country as a result of child abuse and neglect and many others

receive serious injuries. In New York State, approximately 80,000 children are found to be maltreated each year.

Child abuse and neglect has been rising across the State and more resources are expended to treat the consequences including incarceration, court costs, foster care and more. A study by Prevent Child Abuse New York estimated these costs to be approximately $2.4 Billion each year, while the amount spent on primary prevention is less that $30 million.

Tragic cases of child abuse are reported in the press on a regular basis and while these reports focus on the most horrific cases, most cases of child abuse are preventable. These cases range from severe neglect to the explosive shaking of a crying baby.

Research has demonstrated that programs focusing on education and training of future and new parents are the most practical and cost-effective means for preventing child abuse and neglect. Effective prevention programs that promote the safety and well-being of children and families can reduce the suffering of children, assist parents in developing better parenting skills and reduce the economic costs to society. The total financial costs of child abuse and neglect are quite high, but the benefits or savings from investing in prevention programs also are quite high.

Many prevention programs address not only child abuse prevention but other aspects of family dynamics that threaten child and family well-being. These threats include preventable health conditions such as low birth weight, infant mortality, drug-addicted babies and more. These programs often provide referrals, education, expertise, and most importantly stability for at-risk families.

While a number of these preventive programs have proven to be both beneficial and cost-effective, they are currently only offered to a small number of families at risk of abuse and neglect. For example, home visitation is only available to about 10% to 14% of eligible families.

By studying the availability of successful prevention programs and the best way to expand their services to more families at risk, we can save numerous children from having to endure abuse and neglect while. saving the state considerable fiscal resources.

Legislative history

S.7514 of 2010 - Referred to Finance

Effective date

Immediately, with provisions.