Group Meets to Implement Major Child Protection Law

Wednesday, June 23 2010

Group to Assist in Creation of Child Protection Ombudsman

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Today, the Child Protection Ombudsman Work Group held its first meeting to fulfill the requirements of SB 171, the landmark child protection reform bill, passed this year in response to lapses in Colorado’s child welfare system. Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton), the prime sponsor of SB 171, took part in the all-day meeting of the work group.    

“I am looking forward to the implementation of this critical legislation,” said Sen. Newell after the morning session. “The creation of a child protection ombudsman will provide the necessary oversight and accountability to ensure every child in Colorado is protected and that cases of abuse and neglect are acted upon quickly and fairly.”

The work group is comprised of individuals from around the state and includes representation from all stakeholder areas in the child protection system. They are tasked with making recommendations to Karen Beye, the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services, and assisting in the creation of the ombudsman office.

Sen. Newell continued, “The passage of SB 171 took a great deal of work from everyone who works in the child protection system. This would not have been possible without state, county, and local officials, child advocates, service providers, and legislators collaborating to solve this important issue. The passage of SB 171 was a major victory for Colorado children, but we must continue to work together in order to ensure no child in Colorado who is ever a victim of abuse and neglect is allowed to fall through the cracks.”