Committee backs HB 1490 to centralize child‑abuse intake under state system, citing uneven local screening The committee voted 14–6 to report HB 1490 with a substitute to refer intake of child‑abuse and neglect reports to the Department of Social Services; sponsor said Virginia’s screen‑out rate is about 70% vs a national average near 40%, and the bill phases in centralized intake and sets response timelines for children under 3 and children with disabilities.

Virginia is taking a bold step to standardize child abuse reporting, aiming to reduce the alarming 70% screen-out rate with a new centralized intake system.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #SocialServicesReform #EquitableAccess #ChildAbusePrevention #VirginiaChildProtection

Panel approves centralized intake, 24-hour response measure for youngest children after hearing widespread screening disparities The subcommittee voted to report HB1490 (as substituted), directing the Department of Social Services to operate a 24/7 centralized intake and validity determination system for child-abuse reports and requiring a 24-hour response for valid reports involving children under 3 and children with disabilities.

Virginia is taking a bold step to protect its most vulnerable children by centralizing child abuse reports and ensuring a rapid 24-hour response for those under 3 and with disabilities.

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#VA #ChildAbusePrevention #CitizenPortal #SystemicReform #VirginiaChildProtection

California Senate passes Bill 998 to protect child content creators and secure earnings Senate Bill 998 mandates compensation and trust fund creation for child content creators under 16.

Virginia's Senate is set to vote on a groundbreaking bill that could change the game for child content creators by ensuring they are paid and protected until adulthood.

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#VA #YouthFinancialSecurity #VirginiaChildProtection #ContentCreatorRights #DigitalEthics #CitizenPortal