Under CAPTA, which entity was created within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to serve as the focal point for the collection of information, improvement of programs, dissemination of materials, and information on best practices to states and localities?

• A. National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN).
• B. National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information.
• C. Basic State Grants and Demonstration Grants for training personnel.
• D. Authorized limited government research into child abuse prevention and treatment.

Answer: (A)

CAPTA created a central national unit within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare called the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. This center was designed to be the hub for collecting information, guiding program development and improvement, and distributing materials and guidance on best practices to states and localities. It also oversaw information resources such as the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, which served as a key repository and dissemination point. The other options describe funding streams or general research activities rather than the central coordinating body responsible for information collection and sharing nationwide.