Presidential Task Force Releases Report On Protecting Native American Children In Health Services

Friday, July 24th 2020, 8:09 pm

By: Kristin Wells

WASHINGTON -

A presidential task force identifies has identified ways it said Native American children are more at-risk of sexual abuse by healthcare workers.

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma Trent Shores is the co-chair of this White House task force. The task force said numerous shortcomings inside the Indian Health System put children at risk. The report states many IHS workers don't understand it is their responsibility to report child sex abuse, nor is there a uniform system to report it.

It also states tribal law enforcement agencies don't have proper training to deal with abuse reports. The task force came up with 10 recommendations to keep kids safe. You can find those in the full report below.

First Lady Melania Trump has accepted an invitation to visit the Cherokee Nation's Health Center, as part of her 'Be Best' campaign. This campaign focuses on the well-being of children, and Mrs. Trump heard from members of this task force on the findings of the report, as it relates to the 'Be Best' campaign.

Read the full task force report below.