Support for HOUSE BILL NO. 2187 Strengthening Child Welfare Oversight in Virginia HOUSE BILL NO. 2187, introduced by Delegate Freitas, seeks to enhance the role of Virginia's Children's Ombudsman in safeguarding the welfare of children involved in child welfare services. Here’s why this bill is a commendable step forward: Constitutional and State Law Support: Constitutional Basis for Child Protection: The Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees due process and equal protection under the law, which can be extended to argue for the state’s obligation to protect children's rights and welfare. This amendment supports the state's intervention in cases where children's rights might be at risk due to abuse, neglect, or inadequate care. Virginia State Law: Virginia Code § 2.2-442 already establishes the Children's Ombudsman, but this bill expands its scope, aligning with the state's commitment to child welfare as outlined in various statutes, including the Virginia Children's Services Act, which emphasizes providing services to at-risk children in a family-focused, community-based environment. Parental Rights and Child Welfare: While the bill enhances the Ombudsman's powers, it does not negate parental rights but rather aims to ensure these rights are exercised in a manner that truly benefits the child. The Virginia Supreme Court in Stanley v. Illinois (1972) emphasized that while parental rights are fundamental, they are not absolute when the welfare of the child is at stake. Child and Parental Rights Cases: Santosky v. Kramer (1982) - The U.S. Supreme Court held that in proceedings to terminate parental rights, the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment requires the state to support its allegations by at least clear and convincing evidence. This bill's focus on thorough investigation and advocacy aligns with ensuring that decisions affecting parental rights are well-founded and fair. In re J.W. (2009) - A Virginia case where the court emphasized the importance of considering the best interest of the child when making decisions about custody and parental rights. The bill's advocacy for child welfare aligns with this judicial direction. In summary, HOUSE BILL NO. 2187 represents a significant step forward in ensuring that Virginia's child welfare system operates with the highest level of accountability, transparency, and advocacy for those it serves. It aligns with both constitutional principles and state law, offering a robust framework for protecting and advocating for children's rights while respecting the legal framework governing parental rights.

As a domestic violence survivor whose children have been abused their entire lives, we need more oversight and accountability for DSS. This bill helps to establish that, especially in situations where CPS ignores repeated reports by mandatory reporters. I have lost all rights to my children because CPS does not investigate constant reports, therefore the court deemed me malicious, despite outside reporters reporting sometimes on a weekly basis. Without this bill, CPS will continue to run amok, which increases mental health issues, delinquency, drop out rates, poverty levels and burdens on the system. The long term affects of these policies on women and children are extreme.