ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
One of our Nation's most critical issues is to ensure the well-being of our children. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) is committed to collecting accurate, timely information on child maltreatment and to providing that information to policymakers, child welfare practitioners, researchers, and concerned citizens so that together, we can better address this serious problem. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), sponsored by the Children's Bureau of the ACYF in partnership with the States, collects this critically needed information.
This publication, Child Maltreatment 1999, serves as the vehicle through which the ACYF disseminates analyses of child abuse and neglect data collected through the NCANDS. This is the 10th consecutive year of the publication of national child abuse and neglect data.
I would like to acknowledge and express appreciation for the work of the many people who have made this publication possible. The job of reporting State data to the NCANDS falls on people busy with other tasks and responsibilities. The Children's Bureau has been fortunate, however, to work with informed, motivated State personnel-people who ensure that accurate, complete data, reflecting the work of the child protective services agencies, are collected and reported. The efforts these people put forward are gratefully acknowledged. Obviously, without their contribution we would not have been able to publish Child Maltreatment 1999. In addition, the members of the State Advisory Group, a group of State child protective services administrators and information systems managers, have been a constant source of practical advice and assistance as national reporting has developed and matured. Thanks to you all.
The Children's Bureau would like to specifically acknowledge the work of two individuals-Walter Conley, who represented Arizona as a member of the NCANDS State Advisory Group, and Wayne McCracken, who served as Iowa's NCANDS State contact-who both passed away in 2000. Dr. Conley and Mr. McCracken were valuable assets to the NCANDS effort and to the task of addressing child abuse and neglect in their home States.
James A. Harrell
Acting Commissioner
Administration on Children, Youth and Families
