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The House of Representatives recently gave final approval to a bill that will toughen the laws meant to protect our most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect and ensure the protection of children is at the top of the state’s agenda with a new child advocate dedicated solely to child welfare.
The plan takes on tough issues in child welfare, from social disparities and mandated reporting to family engagement models and DSS caseloads.
The legislation establishes minimum educational requirements for social workers and their supervisors, mandates training for mandatory reporters and increased criminal penalties. The bill also creates the independent office of Child Advocate, which will receive notice of any serious injury to a child in the care of the Commonwealth and will have the power to conduct independent investigations.
The bill requires a comprehensive five-year plan to take on the tough issues in child welfare as identified by Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi’s House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect last year from racial disparities and mandated reporting to family engagement models and Department of Social Service caseloads.
The legislation will also change the name of the Department of Social Services to the Department of Children and Families to reflect the mission of the agency.
The bill, which received final approval from the House and Senate last week, is the result of nearly two years of detailed research, extensive public hearings and debate that was prompted by the horrific details of the abuse allegedly endured by 11-year-old Haleigh Poutre of Westfield.
The bill now awaits Governor Patrick’s signature.
Child welfare laws to get tougher
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In this bone chilling case, the court appointed a guardian who promptly pulled the plug despite family protests. She is suffering the long painful death of dehydration right now. Lord help us!
Remind me not to live in any town named Sanger or Singer.
I may only post excerpts from this site.
Janet Rivera of Sanger has been without food or water since July 14, when a court-appointed public guardian had the tubes removed to end her suffering.
A hearing to determine whether the tubes should be restored is scheduled for 2 p.m. today in Fresno County Probate Court.
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Rivera's husband, Jesus Rivera of Sanger, had been his wife's conservator until he was removed and replaced by the county guardian June 17. Chavez-Ochoa said he didn't know why Rivera was removed, but the family wants Emrich to take his place.
Jesus Rivera said he assumed the court would appoint another family member to be conservator....
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