Posted: | June 5, 2015 04:25 PM |
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From: | Representative Scott A. Petri |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate |
Many of you have cosponsored this bill in the past and you are welcome to participate again. The bill will establish a statewide ombudsman to be called a child advocate and 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. The recent Penn State allegations demonstrate the continuing need for this legislation. Unfortunately, it takes a high profile incident such as the Penn State allegations for people to want to take action. We should always remember that this is not about the alleged perpetrators, but is about the victims. Please support me in cosponsoring this legislation. I will be happy to provide you with a copy once the bill is redrafted. The intention is to house the Child Advocate in the Attorney General’s office. You should also know that over the last several years there has been a task force who has discussed the details of this bill, are substantially together on its specific provision and certainly agree wholeheartedly that the measure is necessary. If you would like to cosponsor the legislation, please contact Lea Farrell at lfarrell@pahousegop.com. |