Gov. Ritter Appoints Two American Humane Representatives to Child Protection Panel

DENVER, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gov. Bill Ritter appointed two American Humane Association representatives — Dr. Patricia Schene, senior fellow, and Karen Jenkins, director of public/private child welfare — to a new panel that will help create a child protection ombudsman program to better protect Colorado children against abuse and neglect.

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The working group will advise Colorado Department of Human Services Executive Director Karen Beye as she crafts plans this summer for the new ombudsman program, which was authorized by Senate Bill 10-171.

"American Humane is honored to lend its support to the state and to the governor's interest in having a child welfare system that meets the needs of families. The fact that two representatives from American Humane were chosen for this panel speaks highly about the appreciation for the cadre of child welfare professionals that we have in our organization," said Sonia Velazquez, senior vice president of child welfare for American Humane.

American Humane is a national leader in developing programs, policies, training, research and evaluation, and cutting-edge initiatives to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. For more information about American Humane's child welfare programs, visit www.americanhumane.org/protecting-children.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the Denver-based American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals from abuse and neglect through public policy, education and services reaching a wide network of organizations and advocates. Programs include raising awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. The organization is also known for "No Animals Were Harmed,"® the end-credit disclaimer seen on film and TV productions. American Humane® Certified is the nation's largest and most highly regarded independent standards and certification program for farm animal welfare. American Humane earned the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval and is an American Institute of Philanthropy "Top-Rated Charity." Learn more at www.americanhumane.org.

SOURCE American Humane Association