SENATOR KOLKHORST RECEIVES CASA AWARD

  
State Representative Lois Kolkhorst
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst

Senator Lois Kolkhorst has received the "Big Voice for Little Texans" award from Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates, having been an advocate for the group for many years.

The "Big Voice for Little Texans" award is reserved for legislators who have shown leadership in making children in the Child Protective Services or foster care systems a priority. During the 84th legislative session, Senator Lois Kolkhorst wrote and passed Senate Bill 830 which created an independent ombudsman to protect children who suffer abuse or neglect while in a foster home, group home, or residential treatment facility. The need for this bill arose out of a survey by CASA of 40 students who exited the foster care system within the last 10 years.

"Senate Bill 830 empowers an ombudsman to investigate and review complaints related to violations of the department's duties and procedures. It also requires the ombudsman to develop policies to protect a child from retaliation for reporting violations," said Kolkhorst. "Often, children in these situations are reluctant to report abuse due to the mistrust of staff that place them in the home, the perception that nothing will be done, or the fear of retaliation from the very people charged with their care. This newly created independent ombudsman will provide a neutral source of protection for these vulnerable children."

 

 

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2 Comments

  1. Very impressed with State Senator Lois Kolkhorst! Very obvious that her hard work and diligent attention to CASA has made a major difference for all involved in CASA – but especially, the children. Thank you so much for your compassionate service to those in need – your service has changed lives and the lives of future generations – Much gratitude, Dr. Suzanne Carlton Hart

  2. Way to go! We need more people and politicians like her! If we had more people who love and fear God like her we would be in a lot better shape!

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