Governor Signs 'Kelsey's Law' Child Abuse And Neglect Measure

Saturday, May 27th 2006, 7:16 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Legislation designed to protect children from abuse and neglect that bears the name of a slain 2-year-old Meeker girl is signed into law by Governor Brad Henry.

The bill signed Friday, known as the Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Reform Act, would strengthen training of court-appointed child advocates and make judges more accountable for their rulings in child-placement cases.

It also augments the ability of state agencies, including the Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, to act on behalf of children in abusive homes.