DENVER—Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration announced plans Thursday to improve Colorado’s child welfare program after 43 children died of abuse or neglect over the past five years.
Hickenlooper told The Denver Post on Wednesday ( ) his administration will improve data collection to hold the system more accountable.
The proposed fixes include making sure more information becomes public when children are abused or killed after coming into contact with social workers.
“Our laws currently require that when there is an issue around a child-abuse case, that we can’t say anything,” Hickenlooper told The Denver Post. “We are exploring some legislation that could require disclosure of some information.”
The plan calls for updated training for employees and looking at how to maximize federal funds for child welfare in Colorado, among other strategies.
Other efforts are under way, such as reducing red tape and working to recruit and retain more foster parents.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
