Hearings were held to gather information on the current state of child welfare and foster care programs and to examine the impact on families of federal cuts in social services, AFDC programs, and other federally funded programs affecting families. Particular attention was given to relationships between unemployment and the related stress on families and increasing reported incidences of child abuse and neglect. The hearings included invited witnesses from public and private child welfare and foster care agencies; representatives of the judicial system; foster parents; former foster children; professional organizations whose members are involved in the direct provision of services to families; and other organizations representing health, emergency care, and research activities. Much of the testimony given concerns issues related to the implementation of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Amendments of 1980 (P.L. 96-272). Tables included in the report provide data on characteristics of youth and families served by the California Association of Services for Children. (RH)

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