CPR Recommends Six Key Public Policy Changes
CPR Recommends Six Key Public Policy Changes
There is no way to prevent abuse of families by Children's Services and Law Enforcement without removing some of their power; providing substantial penalties for violation of law. This is entirely appropriate. Indeed, arguments for limits on government are precisely those used to limit parents' ability to harm their children. Balance is needed. We recommend the changes below:
Require every
caseworker to take and pass a nationally recognized psychological screening examination,
with an overal score in the 85th percentile or higher, as a basic condition of employment.
Mandate
SCF to provide to parents a written set of their rights, similar to the Miranda Warning.
Mandate this be presented to families on first contact with SCF or law enforcement. Fine
officers and caseworkers who fail to do so.
Make it illegal to
forcibly remove a child on a first report, unless there is probable cause to
believe the child is in imminent danger of great bodily harm.
Institute
timely due process for families when children are forcibly removed. Only a jury should
authorize long-term (>6 months) child removal.
Eliminate civil and
criminal immunity for state workers, to encourage careful conduct.
Legalize disciplinary
spanking. Criminal prosecution for disciplinary spankings that leave a mark should be
allowed only after multiple occurrences, and after counseling has been offered by SCF.