The Wisconsin Special Committee on Reporting of Child Abuse and Child Neglect asked for information about the child abuse reporting statutes in two states, New Jersey and Wyoming, that do not designate members of certain professions as mandatory reporters of child abuse, but instead direct every person who knows of or suspects child abuse to report. This Memo provides that information. It also provides information about the statutes in states that both designate members of certain professions as mandatory reporters and also require any person who knows of or suspects abuse to report. Link to pdf Report
Tag Archives: legal
Drug Court Programs Factsheet
A new factsheet from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs describes drug courts, in which court-directed programs aim to reduce drug use relapse. The factsheet highlights an array of multidisciplinary services, including risk and needs assessment, judicial monitoring and supervision, and treatment and rehabilitation services. Drug courts are tailored to address the specific needs of different populations. For example, family drug courts apply the drug court model to child welfare cases in which substance abuse is identified as a contributing factor to child abuse or neglect. These programs emphasize treatment to aid in the reunification and stabilization of families. The factsheet goes on to describe available DOJ programs that provide financial grants and other assistance to help States build drug court capacity and increase participation among the targeted populations. Link to pdf Factsheet
New Policy Brief: Court-Based Child Welfare Reforms: Improved Child/Family Outcomes and Potential Cost Savings
This policy brief describes court-based child welfare reforms that resulted in improved outcomes for children and families, and potential state/local agency cost savings. The reforms fall into several categories. Some focus on improving family engagement, access to services, and judicial decision-making. Others improve outcomes by operating as a quality-control mechanism for the child welfare system. All successful reforms share common traits: strong judicial leadership and vision about how the child welfare system should serve families, dedicated professionals, and cross-system collaboration. Includes a piece on an Expedited Reunification Docket in Wayne County MI. Link to Downloadable Policy Brief