Press Room

Sen. Newell and Senate Give Final Approval to Major Child Protection Reform Bill

Monday, April 5 2010

Bill Will Close Gaps in Colorado’s Child Protection System

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to Senator Linda Newell’s (D-Littleton) bill to reform Colorado’s child protection system. The bill now will go to the House.

The bill, SB 171, creates an independent ombudsman office to help protect children through impartial oversight.  This office will provide accountability of the child welfare system. Currently, 29 other states have created an Ombudsman office to oversee child protection.

The office will be an outlet for citizens to report suspected child abuse and potential gaps or problems in the child protection system.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously (34-0 with one excused).