House Passes Costa Legislation to Help Victims of Child Abuse

Press Release

Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), who is Chairman and co-founder of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, released the following statement after the House passed his bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA). The legislation would provide funding to Children's Advocacy Centers to help victims of child abuse and strengthen law enforcement's response to hold perpetrators accountable.

This bill passed the House as an amendment included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 and now heads to the Senate for passage.

"Today's House vote was a vital step towards ensuring access to services for victims of child abuse for years to come," said Costa. "Victims and survivors of child abuse must have access to the resources and care provided by Children's Advocacy Centers to heal from their trauma. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this legislation as programs under the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA) are set to expire next year."

Children's Advocacy Centers coordinate the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases by utilizing multidisciplinary teams of professionals involved in child protection and victim advocacy services, law enforcement and prosecution, and physical and mental health. (OJJDP.gov)

Costa successfully reauthorized the Victims of Child Abuse Act back in 2018. VOCAA programs are set to expire next year without reauthorization, so they must again be extended by Congress.

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