Anti-Child Abuse Bill Wins House OK

The House sent legislation to the White House giving states the authority to use federal law-enforcement grants for child abuse prevention. The bill, which passed, 410-2, also sets aside more money in the Crime Victims Fund for child abuse victims. President Clinton is expected to sign the bill, which the Senate passed in November. It allows states to use existing grants to give child-welfare organizations and groups responsible for placing children in foster care access to criminal conviction records. It also aims to encourage cooperation between law enforcement and the media to apprehend suspects.