Governor Endorses Legislation Protecting Children

GOVERNOR ENDORSES LEGISLATION PROTECTING CHILDREN

Governor Jim Gibbons will testify in support of legislation put forth by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Child and Family Services, that will strengthen Nevada's laws regulating child care institutions and facilities. Assembly Bill 188 will be heard by the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, March 12, 2007 at 1:30 PM, while AB 263 will be heard by the same committee on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 1:30 PM. The Governor plans to testify shortly after 1:30 on Monday in room 3138 of the Legislative Building.

"These bills are important measures designed to shore up our protection of children who fall under the care of the state or county due to abuse or neglect," Governor Gibbons said. "When children cannot adequately protect themselves from harm, and state or local officials must intercede, it is imperative that we provide these youngsters with the greatest of care. I fully support the measures called for in these bills, which will ultimately provide a safer environment for these children."

DHHS Director Mike Willden added, "AB 188 and AB 263 will provide my department with the necessary oversight and authority to better insure that child care facilities in Nevada meet federal and state standards, thereby providing enhanced safeguards for these children who are often in desperate need of professional care."

Key Provisions of AB 263:

· Brings state into compliance with federal Child Abuse and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

· Complies with recommendations from Blue Ribbon Child Death Review Panel.

· Provides for public disclosure of certain information pertaining to missing children, and fatality and near fatality cases of children under the supervision of a child welfare agency.

· Provides DHHS with authority to enforce state plans relating to child welfare and to sanction agencies that do not comply with expressed standards.

Key provisions in AB 188:

· Requires state licensure of all child care institutions.

· Provides DHHS with statewide oversight responsibility and monitoring capability over all child care institutions.

· Provides DHHS with authority to enforce standards.

· Defines "child care institution" as a facility that provides shelter during the day and night operating with sixteen or more children who do not routinely return to the homes of their parents or guardians.

· Brings state into compliance with federal Child Abuse and Treatment Act (CAPTA).

"I commend the efforts of Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, as well as the careful evaluation and recommendations made by the Blue Ribbon Child Death Review Panel. We have an obligation to protect the children in our state by providing them with the best possible care. I look forward to working with the Legislature so these additional protections can be implemented as soon as possible," Gibbons concluded.

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