Child-abuse laws are expected to strengthen soon/Pa

Child-abuse laws are expected to strengthen soon/Pa
Child-abuse laws are expected to strengthen soon Reps. Bev Mackereth and Stan Saylor are co-sponsors of the measure. By RICHARD FELLINGER Harrisburg bureau Article Launched:11/01/2006 06:11:12 AM EST Nov 1, 2006 — Gov. Ed Rendell is expected to sign a bill this week aimed at strengthening state laws on child abuse. Sponsored by Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Chambersburg, the bill creates citizen review panels to examine child-protection policies and sets conditions for terminating parental rights. Reps. Bev Mackereth, R-Spring Grove, and Stan Saylor, R-Windsor Township, are co-sponsors. The provisions would bring Pennsylvania into compliance with federal standards and allow the state to tap about $1 million in federal funding for prevention and treatment programs. The state would meet terms of the federal Child Abuse and Treatment Act, the federal law that guides child protection and was reauthorized in 2003. Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation that has yet to become compliant with the federal law, Kauffman said. Under the bill, parental rights could be involuntarily terminated for committing serious violent crimes against a child. Those crimes include homicide, aggravated assault, or attempting or conspiracy to commit either crime. The legislation also requires health-care providers to report to county agencies when they identify infants who show signs of exposure to drugs. Finally, an amendment added to the bill in the Senate requires the state Department of Public Welfare to report more frequently on child-abuse cases that result in death or a near fatality. The reports, which are issued annually, must be made quarterly under the bill. The bill cleared the Senate unanimously Oct. 18 and was ratified unanimously by the House Oct. 23. Rendell spokeswoman Kate Philips said the governor supports the intent of the bill but needs to review the language before committing his signature. Said Kauffman, "We have every reason to anticipate that it will be signed this week." KEY PROVISIONS · Sets conditions for termination of parental rights · Creates citizen review panels to examine child-protection policies · Allows state to tap $1 million in federal funds for prevention and treatment programs http://www.ydr.com/newsfull/ci_4584560

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