FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution 20

91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY



1889L.01I

Relating to the establishment of the Child Abuse and Neglect Commission within the office of the Governor.

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BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:



Whereas, state child protection service agencies received approximately 46,270 reports of child abuse or neglect, involving nearly 71,500 children in Missouri in 1999; and



Whereas, approximately 17,700 reports were assigned for further investigation in 1999 and, of those investigated, 54% were found to be unsubstantiated; and



Whereas, a need exists for accountability in the review and investigation of child abuse and neglect cases; and



Whereas, an additional need exists for assistance within and oversight of the agencies handling child abuse and neglect reports to ensure that every child's case is appropriately handled; and



Whereas, a need for clarification and standardization of what constitutes the best interest of the child exists:



Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-first General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby authorize the creation of a Child Abuse and Neglect Commission within the office of Governor which shall oversee and review the laws and rules relating to child abuse and neglect cases and make recommendations on further action or legislative remedies, if any, to be taken in such cases, as necessary; and



Be it further resolved that the Commission shall review and recommend standardized guidelines for judicial review of what constitutes the best interest of the child; and



Be it further resolved that the Commission shall make its first report to the Governor and the General Assembly by February 1, 2002, and any subsequent reports shall be made to the Governor and General Assembly as necessary; and



Be it further resolved that the Child Abuse and Neglect Commission shall be composed of eleven members to be appointed by the Governor, including a county prosecutor, a law enforcement officer, a juvenile officer, a member of the clergy, a pediatrician, a psychologist, an educator, a Division of Family Services designee, and three citizens of the state of Missouri to serve four-year terms and of the members first appointed, three shall serve for a term of two years, four shall serve for a term of three years, and four shall serve for a term of four years; and



Be it further resolved that all members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties for the Commission; and



Be it further resolved that the office of Governor shall provide funding, administrative support, and staff for the effective operation of the Commission; and



Be it further resolved that this resolution be sent to the Governor for his approval or rejection pursuant to the Missouri Constitution.


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