Social Services Hopes to Provide More Details in Abuse Cases

Social Services Hopes to Provide More Details in Abuse Cases

The Department of Social Services is meeting with legislature on April 25, 2005 to propose a legislation that would allow child welfare workers to give out more information on child abuse cases. The child welfare agencies would be able to expand information sharing, particularly in abuse cases that has nearly led to death. The Department of Social Services Secretary, Ann Williamson explained, "We recognize if it takes the whole community to prevent abuse and neglect .... to derive solutions. Then, the whole community needs to have critical and sensitive information."

Williamson also said that her agency can't acknowledge if a child is in care after being taken out of an abusive situation. The proposed measure would allow agency officials to confirm and clarify information about a case that has already been made public. Overall DSS wants to finally be acknowledged for all of the in depth involvement they actually do have in the cases. This will also put an end to much criticism. The only time the information could be held back in the cases, would be if it's release could possibly interfere with a prosecution or investigation.

Other legislative initiatives proposed on April 25, 2005 will be a two-deal package dealing with licensing of child care, assisted living, and other fourteen types of facilities that come under DSS jurisdiction. The bills would Increase licensing fee if inspectors must go out multiple times to see if deficiencies have been corrected. It would also allow facilities with good survey histories to get two year licenses.

Another DSS proposal will change the "No Wrong Door" program to make it easier for those in need of multiple agency services to access them by going to one place. By the end of this year, DSS will also offer a direct-deposit option for those receiving child support assistance. All of these changes in the long run would benefit the children and families in the system, as well as the under appreciated Department of Social Services.