|
Committee Approves "Ounce of Prevention" Bill
Bill Would Provide Home Visits
for At-Risk Parents
HARRISBURG -- The
Senate Aging and Youth Committee today (February 13) approved a House Bill
Tuesday that would provide in home help for at-risk parents, according to
Senator Pat Browne, R-16th District and prime sponsor of the bill in the Senate.
Under House Bill 200, also
known as the “Ounce of Prevention Act,” new parents could receive counseling and
guidance on a voluntary basis. Senator Browne is the author of Senate Bill 732,
which mirrors the language of HB 200.
“I am very please to see this
important legislation move out of committee and on to the full Senate for
consideration,” Senator Browne said. “This legislation would allow
professionals to go into homes and help new mothers and fathers become good
parents. The professionals can provide guidance and counseling that is
currently unavailable statewide.”
Programs are available to
address child abuse, but there no statewide prevention programs in place,
Senator Browne said. About 20 states already have home visitation programs in
place.
“We have all heard the old adage that an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same could be true for child abuse
and neglect,” Senator Browne said. “There are several agencies that provide
excellent pre-natal and early childhood home visitation programs. We can build
from these experiences to develop a statewide initiative.”
|
