PROTECTING SEVERELY ABUSED-CHILDREN - CLARIFYING THE ROLES OF CRIMINAL-JUSTICE AND CHILD-WELFARE

Child abuse legislation and increased public scrutiny have made child abuse the main focus of child welfare agencies. As a criminal act, sev ere child abuse should be dealt with by the criminal justice system to protect both endangered children and the rights of accused parents. T hus relieved of excessive demands, child welfare agencies could refocu s on treatment and services to economically disadvantaged clients. A f ramework for intervention in allegations of child abuse is proposed.