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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2006

Committee Approves "Ounce of Prevention" Bill
Bill would provide home visits for at-risk parents

The Senate Aging and Youth Committee today (February 13) approved a House Bill Tuesday that would provide in home help for at-risk parents, according to Senator Pat Browne, R-16th District and prime sponsor of the bill in the Senate.

Under House Bill 200, also known as the "Ounce of Prevention Act," new parents could receive counseling and guidance on a voluntary basis. Senator Browne is the author of Senate Bill 732, which mirrors the language of HB 200.

"I am very please to see this important legislation move out of committee and on to the full Senate for consideration," Senator Browne said. "This legislation would allow professionals to go into homes and help new mothers and fathers become good parents. The professionals can provide guidance and counseling that is currently unavailable statewide."

Programs are available to address child abuse, but there no statewide prevention programs in place, Senator Browne said. About 20 states already have home visitation programs in place.

"We have all heard the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  The same could be true for child abuse and neglect," Senator Browne said.  "There are several agencies that provide excellent pre-natal and early childhood home visitation programs.  We can build from these experiences to develop a statewide initiative."

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468