CAPTA Legislation Enacted

With the signing of House Bill 408 on May 5, 2006, by Governor Frank Murkowski, Alaska became the 18th state to enact legislation to comply with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). This federal law requires states to implement provisions protecting families during the child abuse and neglect investigation process. Specifically, social workers must be trained in their duty to protect the statutory and constitutional rights of those they are investigating and must advise individuals who are being investigated of the complaint or allegation made against them. This new state law takes effect immediately.