WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation led by Congressman James Comer which would strengthen federal efforts to recognize, prevent, and treat child abuse and neglect nationwide.

The Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (H.R. 485) helps states address this growing crisis by providing states and families with increased resources to reduce abuse and neglect through evidence and prevention-based services. The bill also streamlines duplicative administrative requirements on state and local providers, enabling them to better serve children and families in need.

Comer serves as the primary co-sponsor of the legislation, which was the result of bipartisan work on the House Education and Labor Committee with Democratic Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia. According to a report released by the Administration for Children and Families, Kentucky has the highest rate of child abuse and neglect in the nation.

“As the lead Republican sponsor of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, I’m proud to see the House take this growing epidemic seriously by moving forward legislation that could make a real difference in the lives of many children,” Congressman Comer said. “Child abuse has no place in our society, and is a pressing issue that has hit my home state of Kentucky particularly hard. This legislation prioritizes treatment as well as key prevention services, taking a proactive approach to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”

The legislation will now move to the Senate for consideration.