Legislators open discussion on child welfare

Legislators open discussion on child welfare
Lawmakers need to clarify what their role will be in change
JULY 22, 2010

Local lawmakers are praised for planning a public forum today to allow residents to voice concerns about child welfare issues.



Such a listening session is commendable, but lawmakers are placing themselves in somewhat of a balancing act here. Residents who voice their concerns today likely will expect the lawmakers to do something about them. It will be up to Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, Rep. John Kefalas, D-Fort Collins, and Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, to explain after this meeting what their roles will be in making changes at the Department of Human Services.

While lawmakers are not in the position to change how specific cases are handled, a point that must be emphasized at the forum, they are empowered to work on changing how the DHS operates, particularly on the issues of transparency and accountability to the public.

There are two irrefutable facts regarding the DHS:

> Thirty-five Colorado children died between 2007 and 2009 after being in some level of DHS supervision within the last five years.

> State Department of Human Services employees failed to complete 10 of 11 child fatality reviews from 2008. Among the "dropped" reviews was that of 20-day-old Fort Collins infant Chad Munoz. Those reviews are the only documents about child fatalities connected to the DHS system released to the public.

This spring, a joint select committee in the Legislature met to attempt to reform the child welfare system.

We agree with Lundberg, who said, "I wasn't very satisfied with the progress we made at the Capitol last spring. We dug in a little bit, but it appeared to be a show for (Colorado DHS) more than anything else. This public hearing is a chance for the public to come and talk."

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100722/OPINION01/7220341/Legislators-open-discussion-on-child-welfare