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Legislative Advocacy

Legislators have an important role in ending child abuse in the state of Iowa. They vote on proposed bills that have the ability to positively or negatively affect Iowa's children. Studies show it is critical to invest early in children, as those who are raised in harmful environments are less likely to change learned behaviors as time lapses. Children and families who benefit from resources pay it forward through a lifetime of productivity and responsible citizenship.

Prevent Child Abuse Iowa is a leading state-level advocate for laws, policies, and programs preventing child abuse. The organization is routinely present at the State Capitol, and its 2012 Legislative Agenda will focus on achieving four primary goals:

• Increase the availability and quality of education to teach parents and other adults to protect children from sexual abuse.
  
• Improve the training for professionals who are required by law to report suspected child abuse.
  
• Strengthen its team of professionals that review all child deaths – including those caused by abuse and neglect – and also identify opportunities to prevent future child deaths.
  
• Extend Iowa’s income tax check off for child abuse prevention.

For further information regarding Prevent Child Abuse Iowa's legislative goals in 2012, please review the detailed agenda.