The co-chair of the Vermont Legislature's special Committee on Child Protection says the group is going to propose a number of new laws that members hope will close gaps in the child welfare system identified in the aftermath of the deaths of two toddlers.
State Senator Dick Sears says the highlights include changing the law to make clear that the best interest of the child should be the most important issue for social workers rather than keeping families together.
Sears says the proposal will suggest following a Massachusetts law that allows officials to consider placing a child with relatives other than parents.
The proposal will also suggest loosening confidentiality laws so that people from different agencies, such as police and social workers, can share information.
Copyright 2014 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
