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Journals > Journal: Domestic Violence and Children > Article: The Impact of Federal and State Laws on Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

Journal Issue: Domestic Violence and Children Volume 9 Number 3 Winter 1999

Conclusion

Taken together, recent trends and changes in state and federal laws concerning child custody and visitation, protection of children from abuse and neglect, and welfare benefits for low-income families may have a disturbing array of unintended negative effects on children in families where there is domestic violence, especially immigrant families. Congress and the states have, however, taken some promising steps to address these problems, both through legislation directly addressing domestic violence, and through provisions in child custody and visitation, child welfare, and welfare reform laws that take into account the unique needs of battered parents and their children.

Contents
• Summary
• Introduction
• Federal and State Domestic Violence Laws
• State Child Custody and Visitation Laws
• Federal and State Child Welfare Laws
• Welfare Reform and Children Affected by Domestic Violence
• Immigrant Children Affected by Domestic Violence
• Conclusion
• Endnotes