SEN.  WASHINGTON’S CHILD PROTECTION BILL SENT TO GOVERNOR

            HARRISBURG, June 29 - The state Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by state Senator LeAnna Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) that would help local agencies and communities better protect children from the tragic consequences of neglect and abuse.

            The bill (Senate Bill 1147) would require reviews and reports on child fatalities and near fatalities resulting from child abuse.

            “I applaud both chambers for their strong bipartisan support of this essential child protection bill,” Washington said.  “By making more information available to the public on child abuse cases, I am positive this bill can and will take steps toward preventing future harm to our children.”

            Washington said her bill has support from the Pennsylvania Children and Youth Administrators Association, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, the Department of Public Welfare (DPW), and the PA District Attorneys’ Association.

            The bill would establish procedures for timely reviews and reports by DPW and county children and youth agencies regarding child fatalities and near fatalities caused by child abuse.  Currently, DPW and the counties conduct child death reviews, but are not permitted to release the information to the public regarding findings and recommendations.

            Under this bill, the reports will be made available to the public so that communities will have more insight as to how the system worked or failed.