Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Judiciary Moves Child Protection Bill

Bill Changes DFYS Focus to Improving Conditions in the Home

For Immediate Release April 24, 1998 Contact: Rep. Joe Green at (907) 465-4931.

Juneau -- After many hours of debate, deliberation, and amendments, the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday night passed out HB 375, which tightens Alaska's child protection laws to ensure greater protection for Alaska's children. The Judiciary Committee version of the bill protects children by changing the focus at the Division of Family and Youth Services (DYFS) from terminating parental rights to improving the conditions in the home.

HB 375 eliminates bureaucratic logjams and requires social workers and law enforcement agencies to share information about children at risk. "We learned from public comment that one of the most serious threats to children was a lack of communication," said Representative Joe Green, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. "We responded to this problem with what most people would call common sense...we've required DFYS to disclose any information that might assist a custodian to properly care for a child," Green said.

The revised bill also directs DFYS to focus on correcting unhealthy conditions in the home and maintaining family relationships when possible by: Getting case workers involved earlier in the process; placing children with relatives when conditions at home are unsuitable; and encouraging regular and frequent contact with family members.

"Caring for Alaska's children is part of the Republican-led Majority's commitment to Alaska," said Green. "The committee worked long hours to give people on the front lines the tools they need to get kids out of risk. I believe what we have done is protect kids at risk while strengthening parents' rights," Green said.

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Broadcasters Note: Comments are available at the House Majority Line (800) 478-6540.
= Joe Green, 133 K