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Child protection bills close to becoming law

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Several child protection bills are close to passing the House and Senate, and Gov. Chris Sununu has already indicated he intends to sign them into law.  Here is a summary of the major policy changes proposed by the Legislature:

Funding for voluntary services

HB 1103, SB 590, and SB 592 all provide some form of funding for voluntary services offered to families in "unfounded but with reasonable concern" cases of possible child abuse or neglect.

The Legislature created this new category of cases last year after more than one child abuse fatality.  A child protection worker may choose to mark a case "unfounded but with reasonable concern" if there is no concrete evidence of child abuse or neglect but there are other red flags.

The new category allows the state to keep a longer record of a family's contact with the state.  The state can also offer services to the family even though there is no finding of abuse or neglect. 

However, last year the Legislature chose not to fund these voluntary services, which leaves parents to foot the bill. HB 1103, SB 590, and SB 592 all provide state funding.

Some opponents argue the state has higher funding priorities than providing services to families that only might be at risk.

More workers for child protection

SB 590 funds three new attorney positions in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  SB 592 provides funding for eight new child protective social workers.  The House recently amended SB 63 to add two full-time and four part-time child protection employees in DHHS.

However, adding more positions in DHHS does not address the challenge of high turnover and frequent vacancies among child protection workers.

More program funding

SB 590 provides $1.5 million for community-based prevention programs, court diversion programs, and alternatives to out-of-home placement for children.  SB 592 also sets aside federal funding for home visiting services, a Family Resource Centers of Quality specialist, and expanded child care services.

Longer record keeping

SB 63 and HB 1261 require the state to keep child protection records longer.  For example, right now the state only keeps founded reports of child abuse and neglect for seven years.  SB 63 and HB 1261 would require the state to keep founded reports on file indefinitely.

Opponents of this change are concerned about the privacy of state residents, particularly when it comes to reports that are "unfounded but with reasonable concern."  By definition those reports did not find hard evidence of child abuse or neglect, yet the state would keep those reports indefinitely.

All of the bills mentioned in this article are waiting on a final vote in either the House or the Senate as legislators negotiate the details.

How do you think the state should change the child protection system?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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