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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005
Contact: Jane Norris
(202) 401-9215
ACF Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Funds
To Be Available for
Indiana
WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that federal funds designed to strengthen child abuse prevention and treatment services will be made available to the state of Indiana next year for the first time ever.
“Governor Mitch Daniels is dedicated to protecting Indiana’s vulnerable children, families and individuals,” said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., HHS’ assistant secretary for children and families. “These funds for child abuse prevention and treatment programs will help promote the safety and well-being of Indiana’s children.”
The funds for Indiana will be made available to the state next year from the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) program, which is designed to address the needs of the estimated one million American children who are victims of abuse and neglect. For FY 2006, Indiana is expected to receive $575,724 in CAPTA funds.
Governor Mitch Daniels has taken important steps to qualify Indiana for CAPTA funds and strengthen child protective services. On January 11, 2005, he strengthened Indiana’s child protective services and child welfare services by creating the Department of Child Services through executive order. On May 12, 2005, he signed legislation codifying the new state agency. This legislation also made important changes to Indiana law that qualified the state to receive federal CAPTA funds. Because of these improvements, Indiana is now eligible to receive federal funds next year.
“We’ve taken important steps this year to better protect Indiana’s children. In addition to creating our new cabinet-level Department of Child Services, we’re finally becoming CAPTA compliant,” said Governor Daniels. “This is another necessary step we have taken to provide safe and permanent environments for Hoosier kids.”
For more information on CAPTA, go to: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/laws/capta/#SEC2.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news