(11) As a result of its efforts to protect its children from abuse and neglect, the United States has amassed a vast body of research, policy, and the professional capacity to promote safety, permanency and well-being for children and youth so they can become healthy and successful adults. (10) Although governments throughout the world are seeking models for preventing institutionalization and finding permanent families for orphaned children, many lack the resources or infrastructure to adequately address this need. (9) Research indicates that infants who do not receive touching, holding, and stimulation fail to thrive and may suffer life-affecting physical and emotional stressors, if not death. Children lose one month of linear growth for every three months in an orphanage. Dana Johnson at the University of Minnesota, lack of stimulation and consistent caregivers, suboptimal nutrition and physical/sexual abuse all conspire to delay and sometimes preclude normal development, speech acquisition and attainment of necessary social skills. Unless immediate action is taken, the number of orphans is expected to increase over time. (7) According to UNICEF, there are more than 132,000,000 orphans worldwide. Without the care of a family, these children are forced to live on the streets, in child-headed households, or in institutions. (6) Despite the good efforts of countless governments and nongovernmental organizations, millions of children remain outside of the protection, permanency, safety, and love of a family. (5) Cost benefit analysis data shows that effective, high quality interventions to improve parenting skills and reduce child maltreatment save between $2 and $8 dollars for every dollar spent. (4) As stated in the United Nations Programme for the International Year of the Family (1994), “the family provides the natural framework for the emotional, financial, and material support essential to the growth and development of its members, particularly infants and children.”. (3) The safety and well being of children should be the paramount concern of child welfare policies and programs. (2) The right of a child to grow up in a safe, loving and permanent loving relationship with a responsible adult is a basic human right.
(1) A child who grows up in a permanent family in an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding has the best opportunity for the full and harmonious development of his or her potential. (a) Findings.-Congress makes the following findings:
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