Bill Would Create New Oversight Office for Child Welfare Services

Bill Would Create New Oversight Office for Child Welfare Services
03/08/10 - 05:16 PM
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Joe Thompson - bio
jthompson@krextv.com
Mesa County, Colo.
A bill has been introduced in the Colorado State Legislature that would create a new office to investigate complaints against social workers who handle child abuse cases. If created, the oversight office would be independent of state and county social services departments. The new child protection office was recommended by a panel set up by Governor Ritter a couple years ago after children in the state’s system died from neglect and abuse.

Len Stewart, the director of Mesa County Human Services, says he’s concerned about the additional bureaucracy the oversight office could create, and wonders if the office would have enough resources to be effective. But despite his concerns, Stewart is hopeful the office will work if created, and help the state do a better job when it comes to protecting kids.

Stewart says he is pleased the state is taking the time to focus on the problem of child abuse. But while the panel was formed after some county welfare agencies were accused of neglect, Stewart says many complaints against his department stem from them being too aggressive in certain cases. Stewart says that’s a problem he’s willing to live with, as he’d rather be too aggressive than to let neglect or abuse against a child continue.

Governor Ritter is backing the proposed legislation. Republican state senator Josh Penry (District 7) is listed as one of the co-sponsors of the bill.
http://www.krextv.com/index.php/site/article/bill_would_create_new_oversight_office_for_child_welfare_services/81507730/