AG 1994 09 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A Proposal for Further Organization of the Child Victimization Council This document sets forward in concept a proposal for further organizing the Child-Victimization Council in response to recent developments and to further the mission of the Council. BACKGROUND In May 1985, Governor James G. Martin established the Governor's Commission of Child Victimization. The role of the Commission was to undertake a comprehensive study of the problems of child victimiza.tion in North Carolina. Based on its findings, the Commission proposed a set of recommendations which were intended to prevent child victimization and to improve services to child victims in the state. One important recommendation of the commission was to establish local child victimization networks at the judicial district level. The challenge to these "Judicial District Coordinating Councils" was to network existing child service agencies, to determine the local extent of child victimization, and to promote public awareness of the problem of child victimization. The Cabarrus County Child Victimization Council was organized in March 1987 and has continued to meet on a regular basis. Representatives have participated from the volunteer guardian ad litem program, Cabarrus Department of Social Services, Cabarrus County Health Department, Juvenile Court Counseling Services, Piedmont Area Mental Health Center, Cabarrus County school system, Kannapolis school system, law enforcement, and other community agencies. The Council was organized in response to the Governor's Commission on Child Victimization recommendations. The Council's tasks have been: To determine on an ongoing basis, the extent and nature of the problem of child victimization, in particular child abuse and sexual abuse, through data collection and analysis. To coordinate and identify all existing child service agencies. To help track children through the system to see that services are received. To promote public awareness and education to the public for member agencies. To provide case consultation and coordination. To coordinate and assist with training for human service. To share information about model programs. In early 1991, several major newspapers around the State focused considerable attention and public concern on the problem of child abuse and neglect and on the adequacy of North Carolina's system for protecting children. In response to the serious problem the threat of child abuse and neglect presents to children, Governor Martin issued Executive Order No. 142 on May 1, 1991. This Order outlined a series of initiatives to strengthen services for abused and neglected children and to improve the investigation of child deaths in North Carolina due to suspected abuse and neglect. One of the primary initiatives provided for by the Order is the requirement that each county form a community child protection team.