§ 5117aa-12. Evaluations, study, and reports by Secretary
(a)
Evaluations of local programs
The Secretary shall, directly or through contracts with public and nonprofit private entities, provide for evaluations of projects carried out under section
5117aa–11 of this title and for the dissemination of information developed as a result of such projects.
(b)
Study and report on number of abandoned infants and young children
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall conduct a study for the purpose of determining—
(A)
an estimate of the annual number of infants and young children relinquished, abandoned, or found deceased in the United States and the number of such infants and young children who are infants and young children described in section
5117aa–11
(b) of this title;
(c)
Evaluation
The Secretary shall evaluate and report on effective methods of intervening before the abandonment of an infant or young child so as to prevent such abandonments, and effective methods for responding to the needs of abandoned infants and young children.