Lawmaker to Introduce Legislation to Improve Child Protection

State Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane, announced recently that he will introduce legislation to streamline the state’s child protection law to help children receive services if their needs are not being met.

Neuman’s legislation is based on recommendations of the Task Force on Child Protection, which was formed following the Jerry Sandusky scandal to examine the state’s child protection law and recommend changes.

"My bill would help children who by definition may not be abused, but are not getting the care they need," Neuman said.

Neuman’s bill would allow county children and youth agencies to refer cases not involving child abuse to another county agency or a community nonprofit organization for appropriate services.

"This would give case workers more tools to better help children than are currently allowed under the law," Neuman said. "Ultimately, this would improve our ability to get mistreated kids the care they deserve."

Neuman is a member of the Washington County Task Force on Child Protection and is working with the county’s children and youth services agency to propose changes to the state’s child protection laws.