Public Hearing of the Committee on Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth on Amendments to the Child Protection Cooperation and Information Act
Berlin, November 6, 2024 – The Committee on Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth of the German Bundestag held a public hearing today to discuss proposed amendments to the Child Protection Cooperation and Information Act (KIKG).
Background:
The Child Protection Cooperation and Information Act was passed in 2012 to improve coordination and information sharing among child welfare agencies, law enforcement, and other relevant organizations. The proposed amendments aim to further strengthen this cooperation and enhance child protection measures.
Key Amendments:
- Expansion of the mandatory reporting obligation: The amendments would extend the mandatory reporting obligation to include certain professions, such as teachers, educators, and healthcare professionals. These professionals would be required to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
- Establishment of a national clearinghouse for child protection data: The amendments call for the creation of a central database for all relevant child protection information, such as reports of abuse, risk assessments, and case management plans. This would facilitate the exchange of information between agencies and improve coordination.
- Strengthening of cooperation between child welfare agencies and law enforcement: The amendments aim to enhance collaboration between child welfare agencies and law enforcement in cases涉及犯罪或涉嫌犯罪。
- Increased parental involvement: The amendments would introduce measures to increase parental involvement in child protection processes, including providing parents with information about their rights and responsibilities.
Expert Testimony:
The hearing featured testimony from experts in the field of child protection, including representatives from child welfare agencies, law enforcement, and advocacy groups. The experts expressed general support for the proposed amendments, but some raised concerns about the potential for overburdening the child welfare system with additional reporting requirements.
Next Steps:
The Committee on Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth will consider the testimony from the hearing and prepare a report with its recommendations. The report will then be presented to the Bundestag for further deliberation and possible adoption.
Conclusion:
The proposed amendments to the Child Protection Cooperation and Information Act are a significant step towards strengthening child protection measures in Germany. The amendments aim to improve coordination and information sharing among relevant organizations, increase parental involvement, and enhance collaboration between child welfare agencies and law enforcement. The public hearing provided valuable input from experts in the field and will inform the committee’s recommendations for the final legislation.
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