About CAPTA: A Legislative History

This factsheet summarizes the legislative history and purpose of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), the key Federal legislation addressing child abuse and neglect. CAPTA was first enacted in 1974 by P.L. 93-247 and was most recently amended on December 23, 2024, by the Jenna Quinn Law (P.L. 118-193). CAPTA provides Federal funding to States to support prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment activities, and also provides grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, for demonstration programs and projects.

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