Linda Newell

Sen. Newell’s Bill Provides Accountability and Ensures Efficacy of Child Protection

DENVER— Colorado has 64 counties, each with their own system of child protection. Some counties have good systems for protecting children, but some need improvement. Sen. Linda Newell’s bill was heard by the Senate Health and Human Services committee today. The bill, SB152, will ensure cases of suspected child abuse and neglect are handled effectively.

“We need consistent, uniform procedures that ensure that every suspected case of child abuse or neglect is investigated and addressed,” said Sen. Newell. “When people suspect child abuse and report it, they need to know officials are taking action to protect that child.”

Current law requires certain professionals to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. These professionals, including teachers and doctors, 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.

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.

“It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a community working together to protect a child,” stated Sen. Newell in committee on Wednesday. “An alarming number of children have fallen through the cracks in Colorado. This bill will protect children by closing a major gap.”

According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) an estimated 1,760 child fatalities were reported in 2007. Sen. Newell’s bill will close the disconnect between county agencies and mandatory reporters, ensuring child abuse is addressed quickly and efficiently.

The bill passed the Health and Human Services committee 6-0 and now heads to the Senate for 2nd reading.