Childhelp Applauds McBath Introduction of Bipartisan Measure to Fund National Child Abuse Hotline

Press Release

Today, international nonprofit Childhelp is applauding the introduction of H.R.566, legislation to establish a national hotline to help prevent child abuse and neglect by Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06). The bill is part of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (Stronger CAPTA), recently introduced by members of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

"Our children are our future, and it's our responsibility to ensure that they are able to live, learn, and grow up in a safe environment. I was proud to introduce this important legislation to provide children and parents with resources to help identify and end child abuse," McBath said. "Our Stronger CAPTA package is an important and necessary step toward protecting our nation's children, building upon the original law, and providing evidence-based support for victims of child abuse and neglect."

"Children trapped at home with abusers, first-responder parents in desperate need of resources, and survivors calling for support; these are the faces of the pandemic and the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has fielded a double-digit increase in calls, texts and chats from citizens who are hurting. We are deeply appreciative that Representative McBath understands the current crisis and future needs of children and families living in the shadows of abuse. This legislation will not only illuminate the need in our nation, but bring light and hope to abused children throughout the country," says Childhelp Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO Sara O'Meara.

To reach the Child Abuse Hotline, please call, text, or online chat at 1 (800) 4-A-Child or childhelphotline.org.

Founded by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson in 1959, Childhelp® has brought the light of hope and healing into the lives of more than 11 million children as a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp's programs and services include residential treatment services, children's advocacy centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes and child abuse prevention, education and training. For more information, visit www.childhelp.org and follow Childhelp at facebook.com/childhelp, instagram.com/childhelp and twitter.com/childhelp.

This legislation strengthens the original CAPTA law by providing evidence-based support for victims of child abuse and neglect, establishing national reporting requirements, expanding research, and improving the process to apply for federal grants.

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