Sen. Knopp: Senate passes SB 1579 to help stop child abuse

Strengthening Oregon’s Response to Child Abuse
Oregon Senate Passes Children’s Health and Safety Equity Act
By Oregon State Senator Tim Knopp,

SALEM, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Senate unanimously passed SB 1579 B, the Children’s Health and Safety Equity Act. It was introduced and chief sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend). The measure begins the work of funding and expanding access to underserved, historically marginalized, low-income areas of the state while offering needed services to children who have been abused through Child Advocacy Centers.

“This critical investment will help ensure equitable access and services for children who have been abused and neglected,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend), who carried the bill on the Senate floor. “SB 1579 will give all of Oregon’s CACs the opportunity to be accredited with the standards and best practices of the National Children’s Alliance, leading to better standards of care and services. I am confident the Children’s Health and Safety Equity Act will improve and save lives.”

SB 1579 includes the following provisions:

• $7,000,000 in grant funds
  • 50% of funds to be distributed amongst, equally to all 24 of Oregon’s CACs.
  • 50% to be available for application for CACs that are accredited or have an application pending for accreditation through the National Children’s Association.
• Preferences to be given to CACs providing services to:
  • Underserved communities
  • Marginalized populations
  • Drug endangered children
  • Trafficked children
  • Confirmed victims of abuse