A new Task Force will help streamline Michigan's child abuse investigations while making sure the victims involved are safe.
LANSING -- A new Task Force will help streamline Michigan's child abuse investigations while making sure the victims involved are safe.
Governor Snyder issued Executive Order 2013-4 to create a more streamlined Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect to evaluate and make recommendations on how the state handles child abuse cases.
The new Executive Order replaces EO 2010-18 and cuts the task force down from 34 to 18 members. Officials believe fewer members will help with efficiency and effectiveness.
Among other issues, the Task Force will report on how child abuse and neglect cases are handled, making sure in particular, cases of child sexual abuse are investigated without additional trauma to the victims. The Task Force will also focus on the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect.
Kenneth Tacoma of Cadillac is Chairperson of the Task Force. The other members include:
Dan Adams, Allendale
Law enforcement community
Susan Hull, Oxford
Child protective services agencies
Lori Budnik, Rogers City
Child protection services agencies
Lani Forbes, Hastings
Parents
Terrence Gilsenan, Warren
Child Advocates
Betsy Boggs, Ada
Parents groups
Danielle Loupee, Cassopolis
Child protective services agencies
Jennifer Pintar, Tawas City
Law enforcement community
Shannon Lowder, Jackson
Health and mental health professionals
Robert Sykes, Ionia
Judges and attorneys
Julie Nakfoor Pratt, Hastings
Judges and attorneys
Lisa Wenger, Grosse Pointe
Judges and attorneys
Fred Gruber, Riverview
Child advocates
Linda Hallmark, Bloomfield Hills
Judges and attorneys
Robin Eagleson, East Lansing
Judges and attorneys
Gary Anderson, Okemos
Health and mental health professionals
Maura Corrigan
Department of Human Services
