Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

I am preparing to introduce a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study child abuse and neglect prevention programs in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
 
As you may know, the Task Force on Child Protection recommended evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs be more fully considered by the General Assembly and encouraged and financially supported where feasible.  My resolution would direct the Joint State Government Commission, which provided staff support to the Task Force, to do the following:
 

• Identify existing successful evidence-based child abuse and neglect programs operating in the Commonwealth and nationwide;
• Evaluate the effectiveness and relative cost of these programs;
• Identify opportunities to integrate child abuse and neglect prevention methods and approaches into Commonwealth programs and the policy of Commonwealth agencies where feasible;
• Identify all existing federal, state and county funding streams currently provided for child abuse and neglect prevention, and provide recommendations on how to create incentives for the adoption and implementation of evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs;
• Prepare a report of its findings and transmit copies of the report to the majority and minority chairmen of the Children and Youth Committee and the majority and minority chairmen of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives no later than eighteen months after the adoption of this resolution.

 
It is always more desirable to prevent child abuse or neglect, than it is to deal with its aftermath.  This resolution is intended as a first step toward making Pennsylvania a leader in prevention efforts.  I hope you will join me as a sponsor.