The bill, which passed 31-0, now heads to the House, where little opposition is expected. The only concern that emerged Tuesday was from Sens. Jerry Howard, a Dexter Democrat, and John Russell, a Lebanon Republican. They argued against the requirement that the Division of Family Services keep tips about possible child abuse on file for 10 years when social workers cannot substantiate the abuse. The senators argued that innocent parents could be tainted by keeping such records for that long.
Current law requires such records be kept only two years.
Maxwell promised to meet with the two senators and state officials to discuss those concerns. However, in an interview last month Department of Social Services Director Gary Stangler said a 10-year retention schedule helps case workers detect patterns of abuse. Often, that is important in helping us protect a younger sibling.