Proposals Floated To Curb Child Abuse Problem in City
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City lawmakers aiming to improve the detection of child abuse put forward proposals yesterday that focus on mandated reporters, the professionals who are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse.
The proposals include setting up an interagency task force to improve training for reporters, as well as an information bulletin for identifying abuse, outreach campaigns to pediatricians, and education campaigns for the general public.
The focus comes in the wake of several high-profile deaths, including that of 2-year-old Sharllene Morillo, whose abuse was suspected by some neighbors and her pediatrician suspected but not reported.
The lawmakers’ meeting came a day after the death of 4-month-old Preston Hertzog, who apparently suffered from “shaken baby syndrome.” Six years ago, the infant’s parents were investigated for the murder of another child, according to authorities. Other siblings were placed in foster care but eventually returned to the parents. Yesterday, Commissioner Raymond Kelly said officials are waiting for the Medical Examiner’s autopsy as an investigation progresses.
Testifying before lawmakers, the Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services, John Mattingly, said his agency would be investigating the case of Preston Hertzog, paying particular attention to why his siblings returned home even after reports of abuse and the murder investigation. He said he would seek transcripts from the family’s court case.