It may be Spring Break, but the legislative session is in full swing, and Safe Passage for Children is tracking about a dozen bills related to child protection. We’ve also been talking with legislators about several bills, some of which we support, some of which we oppose.
Recently, our Board Chair, Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner, testified in support of a bill that would create an advisory council to review and improve practices within the system. We also submitted a letter endorsing the bill on behalf of a coalition of frontline professionals we helped convene.
Other bills we continue to monitor include training for law enforcement to recognize signs of child abuse, improved transparency with regard to child mortality reports (HF4697), and several bills related to foster care and kinship care. Additionally, we support immediate child safety and risk assessments for all reports that are screened in.
Stay tuned for updates as these bills progress through House and Senate committees. We may ask you to contact your legislators regarding a specific bill with major implications for children.
Finally, plan to join us virtually or in person on April 8 for our Day at the Capitol. Our final agenda will be announced by the end of the month – after bills have made it through committee deadlines. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us any time with any specific questions or concerns.
Thank you for your partnership as we advocate for children at risk of abuse and neglect. They’re counting on our voice to speak for them.