DENVER, Colorado – A task force in Colorado is calling for changes in the state’s definition of criminal child abuse and neglect as part of its efforts to reform mandatory reporting laws. In a recent 12-page report, the task force members argued that the current definition is too broad and fails to distinguish between circumstances such as poverty or homelessness and actual instances of neglect and abuse.
The task force, established in 2022 following an investigation into the death of 7-year-old Olivia Gant, plans to spend 11 hours in January and February of this year creating recommendations for changes to the child abuse statute. The report highlighted that other states have more nuanced laws around child abuse, which consider cultural differences and socioeconomic factors to prevent unfounded cases of child abuse.
Once the issue of the state’s definition of criminal child abuse and neglect is addressed, the task force will turn its attention back to studying and making recommendations for reforming mandatory reporting laws. These laws require various professionals to report suspicions of child abuse to the state or law enforcement.
The interim report generated disappointment from some, such as Hollynd Hoskins, an attorney representing Olivia Gant’s family. Hoskins criticized the task force for getting sidetracked and not focusing on practical and immediate changes to enhance the reporting laws. She emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable children by improving the reporting system.
During its first year of work, the task force identified five main themes for reform: the disproportionate impact of mandatory reporting laws on people of color, the current vague definition of child abuse, the need for a separate system to report concerns about families that fall short of abuse, overreliance on the child protective system for such reports, and the impact of mandatory reporting laws on professionals aiming to establish “trusted relationships” with children and families.
Moving forward, the task force will delve deeper into these themes during its second year and provide recommendations for change in early 2025.
In conclusion, a task force in Colorado is pushing for changes in the state’s definition of criminal child abuse and neglect as part of its efforts to reform mandatory reporting laws. The task force aims to enhance the reporting system to protect vulnerable children and prevent unfounded cases of abuse. The interim report has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of immediate changes to improve the reporting laws. However, the task force will continue its work and make recommendations on various topics related to child abuse and neglect.