Burton’s bill to protect children from abuse and neglect passes the House

Today, Jan. 28, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville). This bipartisan bill seeks to protect Indiana children by requiring the Department of Child Services (DCS) Ombudsman’s office to investigate complaints alleging that DCS failed to protect a child's physical or mental health and safety.

Burton released the following statement:

“DCS is meant to be a safe haven to protect our children, yet dozens of Hoosier children are still put in harm's way every year — many of whom are already in the DCS system. I authored HB 1307 to curb this issue by requiring DCS’ Ombudsman’s office to investigate and resolve complaints alleging DCS of failing to protect a child’s wellbeing. The Ombudsman’s office was created to serve as an independent watchdog office over DCS. This bill ensures they’re doing just that.

As a member of the House Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee and a long-time children's advocate, I am very proud to have authored HB 1307. I’m even prouder that my first bill to pass the House is about protecting children. I’m eager to see it move to the Senate for further consideration, and with any luck, to Gov. Braun’s desk to be signed into law.