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To Help Stem Abuse-Related Child Deaths, Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Signs Bill Into Law |
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From PR Newswire: Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed a measure into law that's designed to decrease the number of abuse-related child injuries and deaths in Pennsylvania. In the event of a child fatality or near fatality where there is an indicated report of child abuse, the legislation, Senate Bill 1147, requires the county children and youth agency to notify the Department of Public Welfare and organize a six-member review team to review the circumstances surrounding the fatality or near fatality. The review team will be charged with looking at the delivery of services provided by the county agency to the abused child and the child's family, relevant court records, and the county agency's compliance with relevant law. Within 90 days of convening, the team must submit a report to DPW and county officials that address deficiencies and strengths of the county agency and makes recommendations for improvement. Some of the information that is learned during the review, such as the child's name and whether or not he or she was in the custody of the county agency, may be released to the public. The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.
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