INDIANAPOLIS-Senate Democratic members of the Department of Child Services Interim Study Committee joined with their colleagues in the House of Representatives today to discuss their concerns about the group's mission and outline their objectives for future meetings. In a media availability prior to the committee meeting, Senate Democratic Assistant Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) said that protecting children is the state's paramount policy and he is looking to make improvements to the current system.
Democrats also called for two of the review committee's meetings to be held in communities outside of Indianapolis.
SEN. LANANE: "The policy of the state of Indiana when it comes to the protection of our children is paramount."
http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/files/audio/Lanane.DCSInterimComm1.82212.MP3
Length: (00:11)
SEN. LANANE: "We're not going to cut corners when it comes to protecting our children."
http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/files/audio/Lanane.DCSInterimComm2.82212.MP3
Length: (00:14)
SEN. LANANE: "We're not going to hide our head in the sand."
http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/files/audio/Lanane.DCSInterimComm3.82212.MP3
Length: (00:05)
State Senator John Broden (D-South Bend), another Senate Democrat on the committee, noted that he too shares the goal of looking at where the agency can improve to better serve Hoosier families.
SEN. BRODEN: "Clearly we know we are falling short in certain areas, and I hope we can use these hearings as an opportunity ."
http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/files/audio/Broden.DCSInterimComm1.82212.MP3
Length: (00:11)
The Indiana Department of Child Services has recently been criticized for their implementation of a centralized child abuse and neglect hotline staffed by workers in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis call center serves as a single intake point for the entire state and determines which cases are delegated to local officials.
The Department of Child Services Interim Study Committee is set to meet again on September 5 to hear further testimony on the child abuse and neglect hotline.
For more information on the Senate Democratic Caucus, their legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit http://www.senatedemocrats.in.gov/.
###
« Back to News Release List
Link to this event: