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Budget Plan Passes House, Moves to Senate
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The House's $8 billion budget plan for state taxes passed March 15 after a lengthy floor debate the previous day.
The Senate Finance Committee plans to focus on the budget next week, and the bill will likely hit the Senate floor for debate the week of Apr. 3.
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Senate Bill on Mandated Reporting Amended
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The Senate bill on mandated reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect,
S. 447
, w
as passed out of the Senate
General Committee with amendments.
The companion bill in the House on mandated reporting, H. 3823, also passed out of the House Judiciary General Laws subcommittee after the Senate amendment to the bill language was adopted.
Two other bills, S. 448 (unfounded child abuse and neglect reports) and H. 3916 (Children's Advocacy Day), also gained approval in committee.
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Child Passenger Safety Update
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The bill on child passenger restraint systems, H. 3864, received a favorable report from the House Judiciary Special Laws subcommittee. The bill changes the law to require children under the age of 8 to remain in child restraint systems instead of the currently age of up to 5 years old required. This language is consistent with the American Association of Pediatrics recommendations. The companion bill, S. 478, also received a favorable report from the Senate Transportation subcommittee.
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CDC Releases Statement on Baby Boxes
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Safe Sleep Experts Warn of Baby Box Hazards
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After New Jersey recently began distributing safe sleep "baby boxes" to new parents when they leave the hospital, questions have arisen about the boxes and their safety for infants. The initiative is modeled after a successful campaign in Finland dating back to the 1930s to reduce preventable infant mortality due to unsafe sleeping.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Committee has released the following statement:
"Cardboard boxes for babies are currently not subject to any mandatory safety standards. These products do not meet the federal definition of a crib, bassinet, play yard, or handheld carrier. CPSC staff is participating with a leading standards development organization, baby box manufacturers, child safety experts, and other stakeholders to include requirements for cardboard baby boxes within the bassinet voluntary standard. As with all other infant sleeping areas, it is extremely important for parents and caregivers to remember: 'Back to Sleep' and 'Bare is Best.'"
Cribs for Kids, a national organization with which Children's Trust has partnered, outlines a safety comparison between cribs and baby boxes. Some hazards include placement and stability of the box, discontinued use if the box gets wet, sharp edges or points, unintentional folding and small parts.
A story published by NPR over the weekend, noted that baby box programs are starting in Alabama, Ohio and New Jersey. The article also noted that baby boxes can also increase awareness on safe sleep practices.
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U.S. Congress Looks to Promote Safe Environments for Children and Families
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A bill that addresses trauma-informed care for children and families is being introduced in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to acesconnection.com, the legislation creates a high-level multi-agency task force led by the assistant secretary for mental health (created in the mental health provisions of the 21st Century CURES Act) to recommend a set of best practices to promote "safe, nurturing environments for children and families that have experienced trauma."
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Congressional Members Support Commission to Assist Native American Children
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Four members of Congress, two in the Senate and two in the House, reinforced the need to comprehensively tackle challenges facing Native American children by urging the president and key members of his administration to quickly appoint the members needed to the Commission on Native Children so it can begin its important work.
The bill creating the commission - introduced by Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) - became law last fall. It will work to address complex issues facing Native American children, including poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence, and offer solutions to address them.
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Child Welfare Across the Nation
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Health and Behavior Problems Linger After Child Abuse
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A story from reuters.com reports that children who have suffered from abuse or neglect may have physical or behavioral health problems even after the mistreatment stops, new guidelines for pediatricians emphasize.
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Ohio AG Proposes Plan to Help Children of Drug Addicts
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Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine released details of a plan last week that helps the children of drug addicts. He announced the creation of a $3.9 million program that will assists families with kids who have been hurt by their parent's addictions to painkillers and heroin. In a story in the Marion Star, DeWine called them "innocent, invisible victims."
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Seattle Nonprofit Works to Assist Babies in Homeless Crisis
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In a story from MYNorthwest.com, one person in Seattle is on a mission to help the youngest victims of the homeless crisis through a new nonprofit called Babies of Homelessness.
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Policy Post is published by Children's Trust of South Carolina.
Children's Trust of South Carolina is the only statewide organization focused on the prevention of child abuse, neglect and injury. The organization trains and educates professionals who work directly with families and also funds, supports and monitors proven prevention programs. Children's Trust is the voice for South Carolina's children and advocates for strong, well-founded policies that positively impact child well-being. Children's Trust is home to Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina, KIDS COUNT South Carolina and Safe Kids South Carolina.
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