Rep. Schrier Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Prevent Child Abuse

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), along with Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH15) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has introduced bipartisan legislation to improve early detection of infant abuse to protect children from further injury and prevent fatalities.

"Early detection of abuse can prevent more harm or even death in a young child. As a pediatrician, I am trained to look for these signs and know what a typical accidental injury looks like at a certain age," said Rep. Schrier. "Many child care providers and caretakers want to help but they aren't necessarily trained. This legislation will help providers and caretakers learn from and build on what medical professionals already know so we can all work to prevent child abuse. It's commonsense."

The Early Detection to Stop Infant Abuse and Prevent Fatalities Act amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to develop new and expanded trainings and best practices to support medical and child welfare professionals in identifying and responding to signs of potential abuse in infants under age three.

Added Jeff Sperring M.D., CEO of Seattle Children's, "We are thrilled to see the introduction of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) reauthorization and strongly support its inclusion of the Early Detection to Stop Infant Abuse and Fatalities Act in the broader CAPTA bill. The Act will help improve early identification and prevention of child abuse in infants. It includes a demonstration project that builds on efforts currently underway at Seattle Children's and other children's hospitals to collaborate with partners in the community so that parents, law enforcement, and others are familiar with signs of infant abuse and know what steps to take to when they encounter it. This bill has the potential to significantly reduce infant abuse across the US. We thank Representative Kim Schrier for her role as lead sponsor and look forward to working with Congresswoman Schrier and colleagues to pass this important legislation."

"As pediatricians, our number one priority is to keep children healthy and safe. There is clear evidence that certain injuries can be signs of potential child abuse, and require a thorough evaluation. When these injuries go unrecognized, it can lead to tragic consequences for children who are victims of abuse. The Early Detection to Stop Infant Abuse and Prevent Fatalities Act supports evidence-based approaches to improve our ability to identify these injuries and protect children from harm. The AAP applauds Representative Schrier, Representative Stivers Senator Baldwin and Senator Cassidy for their bipartisan leadership in sponsoring this important legislation, and we urge Congress to advance this policy without delay," Kyle Yasuda, MD, FAAP, President of American Academy of Pediatrics.

According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, an estimated 1,720 children died from abuse or neglect in the United States in fiscal year 2017. 72% of child fatalities involved children younger than three, and 50% involved infants younger than a year old. Multiple studies have found that relatively minor, visible injuries in young infants, including bruising and intraoral injuries, are often indicators of abuse. Such injuries in infants are commonly overlooked by medical providers, caregivers and child welfare professionals because they seem minor. Without early intervention, physical abuse can escalate, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities.

More information about the Early Detection to Stop Infant Abuse and Prevent Fatalities Act is available here.