Bill would protect children, establish Alabama Child Abuse Hotline
A bill from Rep. Becky Nordgren (R-Gadsden) would create the Alabama Child Abuse Hotline, a toll-free number where child abuse can be reported. The text of HB353 specifies that the Department of Human Resources (ADHR) would be tasked with adopting rules regarding the establishment and management of the hotline, which is to be advertised in a place of prominence in every public and charter school throughout the state. According to numbers available on the Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers’ website, more than 1,500 children died as a result of child abuse in 2011. Of those, about 75 percent suffered neglect, 15 percent suffered physical abuse and just under 10 percent suffered sexual abuse. Children under the age of one suffered the highest rates of victimization. According to ADHR’s 2014 report, which is the most recent available on the department’s website, more that 32,000 cases of child abuse or neglect were investigated – involving more than 50,000 children. That number has increased every year since 2011. A report by the Children’s Defense Fund puts it this way – in Alabama, a child is abused or neglected every 56 minutes and a child dies before his or her first birthday every 14 hours. Though the legislation currently has no co-sponsors, it is likely to gain wide support in the House and Senate, where Republicans have made families a centerpiece of their 2016 agenda. Nordgren did not respond to a request for comment.
Governor Robert Bentley appoints 9 to Human Resources Task Force
Last week, Governor Robert Bentley made nine appointments to the Human Resources Task Force which was created by Executive Order 11. These appointments were: Mac McCutcheon, State Representative, Task Force chair Chris England, State Representative Lyn Head, District Attorney Nancy Buckner, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Human Resources Greg Reed, State Senator Chris Newlin, Executive Director, National Children’s Advocacy Center Adrienne LaBudde, Attorney Paul Vincent, Expert, Child Welfare Practice Martha Hooper, Foster Parent Advocate, Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association According to the order the purpose of the task force is: BE IT ORDERED, that the Task Force shall analyze ways to improve the delivery of services by DHR, including, but not limited to, the following: Methods to strengthen the quality and consistency of screening of reports of child abuse. Family assessments stemming from and adequacy of resources to respond to child abuse reports. Training of child welfare workers including supervisors. Early intervention and prevention services for children and families at risk of abuse. Transparency of the child protection system. Review of the child protection system focusing on whether the intervention provided is making a difference in the lives of children. Review of foster care services as an integral part of the child protection system. Methods to increase the utilization of local resources. BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall examine and analyze the state laws, practices, policies, and procedures of DHR relating to the reporting and response to child abuse. The Task Force may hold public hearing and otherwise receive and review written comments from individuals and organizations. BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall report to the Governor by January 15, 2016, and shall include in its report recommendations to improve the child protection system including any suggested changes in state laws and practices, policies, and procedures of DHR in the delivery of child protection services. BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall meet at the call of the chair and shall adopt rules governing the manner of conducting its business. The Task Force and any committee of the Task Force may meet by teleconference. All Task Force members shall serve without compensation. BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that this Executive Order shall become effective immediately upon signing and shall remain in force until such time it is modified or rescinded by the Governor. You can find more information on open board positions on the appointments webpage.
