Child Protection Bills Signed into Law

Friday, May 14 2010

Senators Newell and Steadman Protect Kids from Abuse and Neglect

Sen. Newell and children watch Gov. Ritter sign SB 171 into law

Click Here to view a video of Sen. Newell speaking.

DENVER—Today, at the Denver Child Advocacy Center, Governor Bill Ritter  signed several of Senator Linda Newell’s bills into law to strengthen Colorado’s child protection system and improve the way we keep Colorado kids safe. The bills were sponsored in the Senate by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) and Pat Steadman (D-Denver):  Senate Bills 152 (Mandatory Reporter) and 171 (Child Protection Ombudsman) and House Bill 1359 (Change of Venue).

“It’s a great day for children in Colorado,” said Sen. Newell. “Our most important responsibility is to protect those who cannot protect themselves: children.”

Sen. Newell sponsored SB 152, which will ensure that professionals, including teachers and doctors, report suspected child abuse or neglect and that someone investigates those reports. Current law requires certain professionals to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. These professionals are called “mandatory reporters”. Unfortunately, there is no uniform policy that requires child protection staff to follow up with mandatory reporters or to let them know action has been taken.

Governor Bill Ritter and Senators Linda Newell and Pat Steadman

The bill will require all county departments to follow-up with the individual who reports a case within 30 calendar days. They would need to provide names of those who may pose a safety risk to the child, whether the case has been closed, and contact information for the caseworker investigating the report.

SB 171 creates an independent ombudsman office to help oversee and provide accountability for the state’s child protection system. The office will be an outlet for citizens to report suspected child abuse and potential gaps or problems in the child protection system.

“This year, we have made tremendous strides to better protect children in Colorado. We have passed bills to ensure suspected child abuse is reported and to strengthen the oversight of our child protection system. The creation of the Child Protection Ombudsman is one of the single most important steps we have taken in this state to protect kids in Colorado. I am proud to have been a part of this monumental effort, and I look forward to continuing the work to keep children safe.”

HB 1359 addresses a hole in the law created when the parents of a child who has been a victim of abuse or neglect moves and there is a problem determining which court holds jurisdiction over the case.

“We have to do everything in our power to keep kids safe,” said Sen. Steadman. “When a parent of a child who has been a victim of abuse or neglect moves, we cannot let that child fall through the cracks. House Bill 1359 ensures that we never lose track of kids as they are being placed in our protection, and will serve as one more safeguard for children.”