Many States have enacted laws that focus on situations that may put children at particular risk of harm, such as parental substance abuse or infant abandonment.
State Statutes Series
Series Title | State Statutes |
Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability | View Download (PDF - 585KB) |
Year Published | 2018 |
Series Title | State Statutes |
Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability | View Download (PDF - 1,208KB) |
Year Published | 2017 |
Series Title | State Statutes |
Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability | View Download (PDF - 540KB) |
Year Published | 2020 |
Related resources
State Policies in Brief: Infant Abandonment (PDF - 202 KB)
Guttmacher Institute (2012)
Lists State provisions for the safe relinquishment of infants.
Statutes of Limitation for Prosecution of Offenses Against Children (PDF - 461 KB)
National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse (2012)
Includes State statutes that extend or eliminate time limitations for charging criminal offenses related to child victims.
Substance-Exposed Newborns: New Federal Law Raises Some Old Issues (PDF - 115 KB)
National Conference of State Legislatures, Children's Policy Initiative (2004)
Describes provisions of the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 requiring States to address the needs of children who are affected by prenatal exposure to illegal drugs. Provides an overview of State reporting laws at the time, discusses the role of child protective services, and highlights the importance of prevention.