BishopAccountability.org
	Clergy Reporting Bill Passes out of Committee The Prevention Advocate January 30, 2009 http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=0016xDS-I4m8wzuj_64nRV68sfsYxG2cAJ2tuxzaZ8May_sjncEWwGJTaFU9Rx0g0i6-FPd-dlMj4G85xjmNVkXtWKafjtDu6nokHotMBwXWK769T1Ug76Of4fRbLbdYLTj On Jan. 28, a bill (HF 8) to add clergy to the list of professionals who are mandatory reporters passed out of the House Human Resources Committee with one dissenting vote. Mandatory reporters are those required to advise authorities when they suspect child abuse. The list of mandatory reporters is a long one, including almost every other professional who comes into contact with a potentially abused child. Clergy is the one major group of counseling professionals notably absent from the list of mandatory reporters, and Iowa is one of only seven states that do not require clergy to report suspected child abuse. In the process of voting on the bill, the committee approved an amendment replacing the original bill language with new provisions. The amended bill, which is not yet available, adds a definition of "clergy" and excludes clergy from being required to report abuse that is suspected solely because of information received from "penitential communications." The amended bill also excludes clergy from the requirement to attend mandatory reporter training. Employers are required to distribute W-2 forms to employees by January 31, which means that many Iowans will soon be filing their state income tax returns. We urge you to spread the word about line 58d - the child abuse checkoff - to your employees, co-workers, friends and family! This is a very important, concrete way for Iowa residents to help end child abuse in their communities. Proceeds from the checkoff benefit the Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program (ICAPP), which provides funding to prevention services throughout the state, including education, support, and respite child care. The program benefits 15,000 parents and 60,000 children in more than 90 counties each year.
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