National Child Abuse Prevention Act

National Child Abuse Prevention Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to designated State agencies for the States and their political subdivisions in developing and carrying out child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention programs as provided in this Act.

Authorizes to be appropriated such sums, not exceeding $60,000,000 in the aggregate, as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $20,000,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1973, and $20,000,000 for each of the two succeeding fiscal years.

States that in order for the designated State agency of a State to qualify for assistance under this title, such State must have in effect a child abuse prevention plan which embodies a program for effectively treating and preventing child abuse and neglect in the State. Sets forth criteria and standards for qualified child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention plans.

Provides that as a condition of the approval of any State child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention plan, such plan shall provide for and require the reporting of cases of child abuse or neglect occuring in the State, with appropriate proceedings and other activities to deal with cases of child abuse or neglect so reported in the manner specified in this Act.

States that any doctor, nurse, schoolteacher, social worker, welfare worker, medical examiner, or coroner who knowingly and willfully fails to report a case of child abuse or suspected child abuse as required by this Act shall be quilty of a misdemeanor.

States that any doctor, nurse, schoolteacher, social worker, welfare worker, medical examiner, or coroner who in good faith submits a report under this Act or participates in the making of such a report shall have immunity from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise be incurred or imposed on account of his submitting or participating in the making of such reports.

Provides that if the individual making a report with respect to any child under this Act determines that an emergency is involved, he may hold the child in temporary custody of another person or agency, pending action based on such report, in order to protect the child's health and welfare and prevent further abuse. Sets forth the procedures for a transfer of custody and for an investigation of all such reports, and specifies the judicial procedure involved in cases of child abuse. Provides for the compilation of such reports by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall require.