The Time is NOW!

Friday, March 12
After four hours of edge-of-your seat testimony, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee UNANIMOUSLY voted to pass Bill 171 (with Amendments) to create the Child Protection Ombudsman. The Committee heard from 26 witnesses, spanning county human services directors to troubled families torn apart by the decisions of the child welfare system. The testimony was at times emotional and riveting.

Senators Shawn Mitchell, Kevin Lundberg, and Morgan Carroll asked pointed questions about how the Ombudsman office would be implemented. I believe the most important issue of contention was the degree of independence the office would be given. Some would prefer limiting the size of the office and keeping it within the influence of human services. Some witnesses praised social services and argued the value of their collaboration. Others were at the opposite end of a continuum, lacking trust in social services and urging no connection at all. ABA research suggests independence is critical . . . . for children, for the public, for credibility and success.

The gruesome omissions and inexcusable inconsistencies shared with the committee reached the hearts and minds of our legislators. The Time is NOW to do what has been impossible for so many years. We need to be serious about KIDS. Stop trying to mask the horrors inflicted on children, even when so many working within the system care. The Bill is now on its way to the Appropriations Committee and then on to 2nd Reading in the Senate!

Thank you to Kelly Paulsen, Former Foster Parent in Eagle County, and so many couragous others who called or wrote sharing their story and support for this important child welfare reform. I believe this is THE most important reform for children in this state. Perhaps in this effort we can show kids we truly care.

Of all of the testimony that I heard yesterday I am haunted by the words spoken by Maryann Hartmann, a neighbor who tried unsuccessfully to save the life of 2 year old Alize Vick. “I waited for the child to be removed from that house and it never happened. Five months later and Alize Vick is dead. I failed to save Alize Vick”

Maryanne Hartmann did not fail this child. She was part of the community that tried to save her.

In the struggle for children I remain. . . .

Shari

READ Kelly Pausen's story in a letter to the editor she wrote to the Vail Daily entitled Foster care is one tough job