Senate votes to help keep families together
May 29th, 2009
HB 3273 allows domestic violence specialists to work with families in child abuse cases
SALEM – The Senate stood up for victims of domestic violence today by passing a bill to streamline access to specialists who work with child abuse cases. HB 3273 allows the Department of Human Services child welfare offices to contract with domestic violence specialists who provide the in-depth services victims of domestic violence and their children need.
“Domestic violence is one of the most dangerous safety threats facing families in Oregon’s child welfare system,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “The placement of domestic violence advocates in child welfare offices is a nationally recognized practice that will help keep families together.”
DHS statewide statistics show that domestic violence is a safety threat in 25 to 32 percent of child abuse cases in Oregon. A Portland State University analysis of pilot programs similar to the provisions in HB 3273 showed positive results, such as victims having better access to services and caseworkers being better able to keep children with their parent.
“This is a sound way to keep children out of foster care and allow families to stay together,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Providing safety and support to parents who are victims is necessary if we are to protect children living in violent homes.”
HB 3273 will help battered women and children, the most common victims of domestic violence, get more specialized help in child welfare cases. The bill is a priority of the Oregon Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance.
HB 3273 will now go to the Governor for his signature.
Tags: 
