Establishes a temporary commission of child abuse prevention

Summary of provisions

Section 1 states the legislative findings

Section 2 establishes the "Commission of Child Abuse Prevention," which is a temporary State commission, to examine, evaluate and make recommen- dations concerning child abuse prevention efforts in the state.

Section 3 provides the composition of the Commission, which shall be 13 members and the rules for appointment to the Commission.

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

Section 5 provides that the commission is allowed to employ personnel for the purposes of its functions and possess the powers of a legisla- tive committee pursuant to the Legislative Law.

Section 6 provides that the commission may undertake studies, inquiries, surveys or analyst in cooperation with or by agreement with any other public or private agency.

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

Section 8 provides that this act shall take effect immediately and be repealed two years after its effective date.

Existing law

New law

Justification

Approximately 1,300 children die each year in this coun- try as a result of child abuse and neglect and many others receive seri- ous 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 incarcera- tion, 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 than $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-be- ing. These the eats 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 impor- tantly stability for at-risk families.

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

By studying the availability of successful prevention program, 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

2012: S.2163 - Passed Senate 2011: S.2163 - Referred to Finance 2010: S.7514 - Referred to Finance

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed two years after such effective date.