Statement Regarding Kirk's Law
April 11th, 2016 (South Bend, Indiana) Protecting the most vulnerable of society—our youth—is a critically important responsibility that we all share, and Governor Pence acted on this responsibility Wednesday when he signed Kirk’s Law. Named for 19-month-old Kirk Colman of Elkhart who died October of 2014 under the care of his daycare provider who had been previously convicted of child neglect, Kirk’s Law provides a new way to track those who have abused children. As one of northern Indiana’s largest advocates against child abuse and neglect, Family & Children’s Center believes this law will have a positive impact in Indiana and, especially, in our community.
We commend Governor Pence and the entire Indiana Senate for being the first in the nation to pass a bill instating a child abuse registry and encourage the House of Representatives to take great care with our state’s families, especially those most vulnerable, our children, when making their decision.
The mission of Family & Children’s Center is to build strong families and healthy children, and Kirk’s Law is affirming of this mission. As a non-profit whose staff enters the homes of families who are more susceptible to abuse and neglect, Family & Children’s Center witnesses first-hand the need for this law. 99% of our clients’ homes are free from child abuse, and having a registry for child abusers will assist with moving the needle even closer to 100%. Making public and accessible the names of those who have committed child abuse and neglect adds another tool to help reduce the cases of child maltreatment.
The dedication and commitment of Kirk's family and his far too short 19 months on earth will provide a legacy that will help to protect the children of Indiana. The signing of Kirk's Law will allow parents and guardians to have greater knowledge and access to critical information about individuals that they leave their children with.
Kirk’s Law shares in Family & Children’s Center’s mission of building strong families and healthy children, and the Center believes this law can only positively impact Indiana.
With sympathy to the Coleman Family and support of Governor Pence,
Roxanne Ultz, LCSW Logan Anderson
Director of Family & Children Services Board Chair, Family & Children Services
An Affiliate of Family & Children Center
We commend Governor Pence and the entire Indiana Senate for being the first in the nation to pass a bill instating a child abuse registry and encourage the House of Representatives to take great care with our state’s families, especially those most vulnerable, our children, when making their decision.
The mission of Family & Children’s Center is to build strong families and healthy children, and Kirk’s Law is affirming of this mission. As a non-profit whose staff enters the homes of families who are more susceptible to abuse and neglect, Family & Children’s Center witnesses first-hand the need for this law. 99% of our clients’ homes are free from child abuse, and having a registry for child abusers will assist with moving the needle even closer to 100%. Making public and accessible the names of those who have committed child abuse and neglect adds another tool to help reduce the cases of child maltreatment.
The dedication and commitment of Kirk's family and his far too short 19 months on earth will provide a legacy that will help to protect the children of Indiana. The signing of Kirk's Law will allow parents and guardians to have greater knowledge and access to critical information about individuals that they leave their children with.
Kirk’s Law shares in Family & Children’s Center’s mission of building strong families and healthy children, and the Center believes this law can only positively impact Indiana.
With sympathy to the Coleman Family and support of Governor Pence,
Roxanne Ultz, LCSW Logan Anderson
Director of Family & Children Services Board Chair, Family & Children Services
An Affiliate of Family & Children Center
