Posted: | January 25, 2017 01:17 PM |
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From: | Representative Scott A. Petri |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Office of the Child Advocate |
Many of you have cosponsored this bill in the past and you are welcome to participate again. The bill, which was originally written for Portia Bennett, a young girl who tragically died in Philadelphia as a result of neglect by the Department of Human Services (DHS), the police department, and the school district, will establish a statewide ombudsman to be called a child advocate. The intention is to house the Child Advocate in the Attorney General’s office. Recent incidents demonstrate the continuing need for this legislation. Unfortunately, it takes a high profile incident for people to want to take action. We should always remember that this is not about the alleged perpetrators, but is about the victims. Over the last several years, this bill and its specific provisions have been discussed in great detail by a task force, who wholeheartedly agrees that the measure is necessary. Please support me in cosponsoring this legislation to help protect the most vulnerable population in our Commonwealth. If you have any questions, or if you would like to see a copy of the legislation, please contact my office at 717-787-9033. |
Introduced as HB1311