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Federal Law
The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments
of 1996 (CAPTA) and amendments in 2003 require each state to establish
Citizen Review Panels “to evaluate the extent to which agencies
are effectively discharging their child protection responsibilities
in accordance with [the State’s CAPTA Plan], child protection
standards set forth [in law], and any other criteria that the
panel considers important to ensure the protection of children”
including
- a review of the extent to which the State child protective
services system is coordinated with the foster care and adoption
programs established under part E of title IV of the Social
Security Act
- a review of child fatalities and near fatalities.
- make this evaluation by examining the policies, procedures
and practices of State and local agencies
- must prepare and make available to the public an annual report
containing a summary of their activities.
- provide for public outreach and comment in order to assess
the impact of current procedures and practices upon children
and families in the community (Section 106 (c)(4)(C)); and
- make recommendations to the State and public on improving
the child protection services system at the State and local
levels in an annual report.
- must meet not less than once every three months
- be composed of volunteers who broadly represent the community
including those who have expertise in the prevention and treatment
of child abuse and neglect.
- not disclose to any person or government official any identifying
information about any specific child protection case.
- provide access to information on cases and staff assistance
- respond to the panels’ annual report in writing within
six months to the recommendations of the Panels
- include a summary of the activities of the Citizen Review
Panels in their annual report to the federal government.
- establish civil sanctions for a violation of confidentiality
by a panel member.
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