Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Report introduced.

(NYC: Betsy Aaron) Death of Elizabeth Steinberg, in NYC, from child abuse allegedly by her adoptive parents reported; details given, photos shown. NYC child abuse prevention system outlined. Complaints against Steinberg parents said forwarded to investigating commission [Human Services Admin. commissioner William GRINKER - says there was no evidence of abuse in Steinberg case.] Photos of child abuse victims shown. [Steinberg's NEIGHBOR - says police come, but nothing changes.] Child abuse inspection system described. [GRINKER - discusses balance of family rights and government intrusion.] [National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse spokesperson Anne COHN - discusses social workers' caseloads.] Steinberg case mentioned. [New York police department Detective John RYAN - says no one knows what went wrong with system.] [Children's Aid Society spokesperson Philip COLTOFF - discusses blame.] [BOY - describes friend's abuse by parents.] Issue of privacy versus protection of children reiterated.