Proposed Bill Would Change Child Questioning Procedures in Abuse Cases

Proposed Bill Would Change Child Questioning Procedures in Abuse Cases on KFYR-TV North Dakota's NBC News Leader


Child abuse is one of the most terrible crimes a parent could commit, but some parents are falsely accused and may need more protections. So, lawmakers introduced a bill to address that.

However, many people who deal with the issue on a regular basis are afraid the legislation would jeopardize the safety of victims.

The House Human Services Committee discussed a bill today that would change the way victims under the age of 15 are questioned.

Legislators are considering a bill which would require the parents of suspected child abuse victims to be given the opportunity to be present during their child`s questioning with investigators.

Under current law, authorities don`t have to notify parents until after the interview is completed.

Opponents packed into the committee room to express their concerns. Representatives from law enforcement, social services, state`s attorneys and judges say things are fine the way they are and parents are protected.

"They have the resources to hire an attorney to represent them. And then they have the full rights under state statute and the constitution to protect them. Children don`t have that," said Jim Vukelic, former judge and prosecutor.

Supporters of the legislation say this bill is about protecting parents who are falsely accused.

Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield said: "The deck is stacked against them, from the standpoint if you have a social worker who is technically neutral, so the courts give high precedence to anything they say and under the assumption they`re only looking out for the child, and they will tend to discount testimony from other experts who testify on behalf of the the parents."

Opponents say the legislation would do more harm than good.

"The forensic interview is supposed to be a neutral environment to allow the child to tell their story," said Paula Condol with Dakota Children`s Advisory Center. "Having a parent in the room will influence the entire process."

Opponents say the legislation would also have a negative economic impact, especially for social services in rural areas.