Subject: RE: SB 144 Signing-Invitation
From: "Dailey Lewis, Patricia \(DOJ\)" <[email-masked]>
To: "'Ashley Biden'" <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>, "'Hunter Biden'" <[email-masked]>, "'Joshua Alcorn'" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:06:38 +0000

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BULLET POINTS I HAVE ATTACHED Beau's remarks from a press conference in May, 2013 and the accompanying press release on this issue.  I requested that Ivy Harlev be invited to this bill signing, and I received a copy of her email invite. I do not know if Ivy is attending.

The Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III Child Protection Act is the result of the work of the Delaware Background Checks Task Force, which was established by Executive Order 42.

*         Consolidates into one chapter and section of the code the background checks that must be completed for individuals who seek to work or volunteer for a child-serving entity.  Previously the requirements were all over the code, and were not standard;

*         Addresses inconsistencies as to what types of background checks those individuals who seek to work or volunteer for a child-serving entity must have and the types of criminal convictions and/or what level of entrance on the Child Protection Registry will prohibit an individual from working or volunteering with such an entity;

*         Child-serving entity has been clearly defined, to include:
a.               The Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF); which includes any employee or volunteer of DSCYF or one of its contractors who have regular direct access to children and/or adolescents under the age of 18, but who do not provide child care services at a facility as referred to in subsection (4)(b) of this section;
b.              Residential child care facilities in Delaware which are under contract with or operated directly by DSCYF;
c.               Public and private schools, including employees of the Department of Education;
d.              Child Care providers as defined in Title 31, Section 342(1); or
e.              Youth camps or summer schools that are exempt from child care licensing requirements;
f.               Facilities and individuals registered and eligible for Federal Child Care Development Block Grant funds through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.

*         The legislation includes individuals who seek to work with a private school or youth camp, who previous to this legislation, were not required to have background

checks on staff or volunteers.

________________________________

AG BIDEN Remarks: Summer camp PRESS CONFERENCE

I want to thank ivy harlev, executive director of the Siegel jewish community center FOR HOSTING us today AND FOR all that they're doing to serve our children and enrich their LIVES.

NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PROTECTING CHILDREN. IT'S WHY I RAN FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL.  and there's a need to do more to keep them safe.  the statics are disurbing: 1 IN 4 GIRLS AND 1 IN 6 BOYS WILL BE SEXUALLY ABUSED BEFORE THE AGE OF 18.  BUT ONLY 1 IN 10 ABUSED KIDS REACHES OUT FOR HELP.

child abuse IS NoT A PROBLEM FOR CHILDREN TO SOLVE. IT'S A PROBLEM FOR law enforcement, community leaders, and all adults.  WE aRE THEIR PROTECTORS. WE HAVE THE RESOURCES AND THE POWER.  And WE ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US has a mandatory obligation to REPORT child abuse under delaware law.

WE MAY ASSUME CHILDREN HAVE BUILT-IN NETWORKs OF TRUST AND SAFETY IN THEIR FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, and summer camp activities.  BUT THE SAD FACT IS, CHILDREN KNOW THEIR ABUSER IN 90% OF CASES.  THAT'S WHY IT'S UP TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO BE VIGILANT, EDUCATED, AND READY TO TAKE ACTION - AND THAT HAPPENS ONE INDIVIDUAL AT A TIME.

Over the next few weeks schools across our state will complete their academic year.  Parents have been hard at work making arrangements for their kids to participate in safe and constructive activities over the summer.  Many children will spend some of that time at one of the many summer camp programs that are organized by faith communities, like the programs here at the JCC, or the YMCA, delaware state parks, and a host of other organizations.

parents want to ensure that while at camp their children are well cared for in a structured and safe environment.  we all share that concern.  I want to caution parents from making certain assumptions about the safety of their kids.

one of the things we know about pedophiles is that they are drawn to employment and activites that put them in direct contact with children.  We have to take concerted action to keep these predators away from kids.  criminal background checks are one critical tool to help accomplish that goal.

i want to take this opportunity to encourage parents to check with their camps to make sure that they conduct background screenings of their staff.  I also want to urge parents to find out what policies camp programs have about interactions between paid staff or volunteers and their kids - for example, whether they allow one-on-one contact between adults and children.

let me be clear, Many summer camp programs in delaware conduct background checks on their staff and have very clear policies governing contact between adults and youth.

for example, If camps are sponsored by day care centers or other facilities that are already licensed and regulated under state law, they are required by law to subject their staff to a background check.

other organizations, such as the jcc, the YMCA, and delaware state parks, require background checks as a matter of police.

I strongly encourage all organizations, not just summer camps, but all agencies that work with children to do two things:

- First, conduct background checks on all of your staff and volunteers who have contact with chilren.
- And, second, schedule training for your staff, volunteers, and parents in delaware's "Stewards of Children" program.

My office has PARTNERed WITH prevent child abuse delaware, the ymca, and other CHILD ADVOCATES since 2011 TO BRING THE STEWARDS OF CHILDREN PROGRAM INTO every corner of our state.  THE IDEA BEHIND THE STEWARDS OF CHILDREN PROGRAM IS A SIMPLE ONE: GIVE ADULTS THE SKILLS AND INFORMATION THEY NEED TO RECOGNIZE WHEN A CHILD IS IN DANGER, STEP IN, AND CHANGE A LIFE FOR THE BETTER.
ONE OF THE KEY ADVANTAGES OF BEING A SMALL STATE IS OUR ABILITY TO BRING TOGETHER GOVERNMENTS, NON-PROFITS, AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY INTO A UNITED FRONT. LET'S HARNESS THAT POWER TO MAKE KIDS SAFER.  THIS IS ABOUT CHANGING INDIVIDUALS AND CHANGING INSTITUTIONS.

IT'S ABOUT OPENING OUR EYES TO THE SIGNS OF CHILD SEX ABUSE AND TAKING THE RIGHT ACTION.  IT ONLY TAKES A FEW HOURS AND only COSTS A FEW DOLLARS, BUT THE IMPACT ON A CHILD'S LIFE IS IMMEASURABLE.

many staff from my office, INCLUDING family division director PATricia DAILEY LEWIS, as well as staff from the delaware kids department and prevent child abuse delaware, are tRAINED FACILITATORS who present stewards to companies, organizations, and civic associations statewide.

We set a GOAL TO TRAIN 35,000 DELAWAREANS IN THE STEWARDS OF CHILDREN PROGRAM within 5 YEARS.  WE BELIEVE THAT IF 35,000 adults HAVE THE SKILL, KNOWLEDGE AND ADVOCACY THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES, IT WILL SPARK AN EVEN BROADER SOCIAL CHANGE.

thank you.
________________________________
Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 3:51 PM
Subject: Biden, youth serving organizations, and child protection advocates urge action to keep kids safe this summer

Media Release
May 30, 2013

Biden, youth serving organizations, and child protection advocates urge action to keep kids safe this summer

Wilmington - Attorney General Beau Biden today joined representatives from the Siegel JCC Delaware, YMCA of Delaware, Darkness to Light Foundation, and Prevent Child Abuse Delaware to discuss steps summer youth programs can take to help keep children safe from harm and announced progress in the Stewards of Children child abuse prevention program, a statewide public, private, non-profit partnership to train adults to recognize and respond to signs of child sexual abuse.

Over the next few weeks, schools across Delaware will complete their academic year, and parents have been hard at work making arrangements for their kids to participate in safe and constructive summer activities.  Many children will spend some of that time at one of the many summer camp programs sponsored by non-profit and faith-based organizations, Delaware State Parks, and a host of other organizations.  Because pedophiles are drawn to employment and activities that put them in direct contact with children, Biden noted that criminal background checks are a critical tool to help ensure that kids are safe from predators.

"I strongly encourage parents to check with their summer camp programs to make sure that they conduct background screenings of their staff, and to find out what policies camps have about interactions between staff and children, including whether they allow one-on-one contact between adults and kids," Biden said.

Many summer youth programs in Delaware conduct background checks on their staff and have formal policies governing contact between adults and youth.  For example, if camps are sponsored by child care centers or other facilities that are licensed and regulated by the state, they are required by law to subject their staff to a background check.  Other organizations, such as the Siegel JCC, the YMCA, and other youth-serving organizations, require background checks as a matter of policy.

"It is my responsibility to do everything I can to ensure the safety of the children in our programs and in our community," said Ivy Harlev, Executive Director of the Siegel JCC, which hosted today's press event.  "This means hiring high quality staff, performing background checks and mandatory training to empower all my staff to protect our children.  We are pleased to partner with Attorney General Biden and the Stewards of Children Child Abuse Prevention Program, which provides adults the tools to recognize when a child is in danger."
Secretary Jennifer Ranji of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families said her agency will partner with the Attorney General's office to educate parents about asking the right questions when choosing a summer camp for their children.  "We're pleased to partner in this effort because we want to help parents make informed choices.  Asking questions about staff training and whether staff background checks are conducted is an important and simple step."  Ranji said she and Attorney General Biden are working to create radio public service announcements to air on stations statewide.

            Biden urged organizations that work with children, not just summer camps but all youth serving organizations, to help protect kids by taking the following action:

*         Conduct background checks on all of staff and volunteers who have contact with children.

*         Schedule training for staff, volunteers, and parents in Delaware's Stewards of Children child abuse prevention program.

In the fall of 2011, Biden's office announced a partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Delaware and the YMCA of Delaware to educate 35,000 Delaware adults within five years about recognizing the signs of child sexual abuse and reporting suspected crimes. The program, which employs the nationally-recognized Stewards of Children sexual abuse prevention curriculum, highlights facts about abuse, common situations in which it occurs, ways to talk to children and adults about it, and simple and effective protection strategies.  The idea behind Stewards of Children is a simple one: give adults the skills and information they need to recognize when a child is in danger, step in, and change a life for the better.  To-date nearly 9,000 Delaware adults have completed the training program.

"It's not up to children to protect themselves from abuse, it's a responsibility that falls on adults," Biden said.  "The Stewards of Children program gives adults the tools and the information we need to protect kids and meet their obligation under the law to report suspected child abuse."

            Michael Graves, former CEO of YMCA of Delaware and currently National Director of Partnering in Prevention for the Redwoods Group Foundation, which supports YMCA programs and Stewards of Children training in Delaware and nationally, recommended several policy practices youth serving organizations should establish to ensure the safety of the children they serve, including:

*         Not allowing a child to be alone with a staff member

*         Prohibiting giving of gifts to children by staff members, as this is a common grooming technique employed by predators

*         Providing visible organization-issued identification for staff to wear on-site

*         Prohibiting staff members from transporting children in personal vehicles

Graves directed parents and camps to a complete list of child abuse prevention tips found on the Redwoods Group Foundation website at http://redwoodsgroup.com/static/media/resources/documents/pdf/abuse-prevention-information-for-parents-ymcas.pdf.

Nationally, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18.  Only one in ten abused kids reaches out for help, because ninety percent of abusers are known by their victim or are charged with their care.  Under Delaware law, every adult has a mandatory obligation to report suspected child abuse to authorities.  All reports of child abuse and neglect in the State of Delaware should be made to the 24 hour Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-292-9582.

Tina Rydgren, Associate Executive Director of the Brandywine YMCA, said "The Delaware YMCA is committed to reducing child abuse by facilitating Stewards of Children training sessions in communities throughout our State.  We're making real progress toward our goal of training 5% of Delaware's population, but we have more work to do."  She encouraged civic organizations, companies, and non-profits to bring Stewards of Children training to their organizations by contacting Nikki Mowbray, YMCA's Director of Stewards of Children training, at 302-254-YMCA, extension 133<tel:302-254-YMCA;133>.

"The goal of the Stewards of Children Program is to empower adults to talk to children about what's going on in their lives and identify potential risks to their safety," said Karen DeRasmo, Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Delaware. "It is also imperative that parents talk to their camp directors about their policies and procedures regarding child sexual abuse prevention.  For the safety of children at the camp, it is important for the staff to know how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.  We are so proud to welcome the Siegel JCC as a Partner in Prevention and look forward to expanding the Stewards of Children Program throughout the State of Delaware."

Patricia Dailey Lewis
Deputy Attorney General
Director- Family Division
820 N. French Street-5th Floor
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
302-577-8926 (phone)
302-577-8777 (facsimile)

Confidentiality Notice:  This electronic message and any attachment(s) are confidential and may be subject to the attorney/client privilege and/or work product immunity.  This e-mail is only for the use of the intended recipient(s).  If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this e-mail, then delete this message and any attachment(s) from your system.  Any unintended transmission expressly shall not waive the attorney/client privilege or any other privilege.

From: Ashley Biden [mailto:[email-masked]]
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2015 1:07 PM
To: Dailey Lewis, Patricia (DOJ); [email-masked]'; 'Hunter Biden'; 'Joshua Alcorn'
Subject: RE: SB 144 Signing-Invitation

Thank you. Does anyone have bullet point info on the bill?

From: Peck, Jacquelyn M. (Governor)
Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2015 10:02 AM
To: Asay, Addie (Courts); [email-masked]'; Bolden, StephanieT (LegHall); [email-masked]'; Brittingham, Devashree M (DOS); [email-masked]'; Culley, Tania (Courts); Dailey Lewis, Patricia (DOJ); [email-masked]'; [email-masked]'; Hall, Daniel H (DSP); Hughes, Randall L. (DSHS); Jones, Teresa L (DSP); Jurden, Jan R (Courts); [email-masked]'; Lopez, Ernesto B (LegHall); Lynch, Jay (DHSS); Mangler, David (DOS); Minutola, Lisa A. (ODS); Peterson, Karen (LegHall); 'James Purcell'; Rivello, Angeline (K12); Sawyer, Cara (DSCYF); Scoglietti, Robert (OMB); [email-masked]'; Smyk, Steve (LegHall); Young, Shana (K12); Rigby, Renee (DSP)
Cc: Adkins, Ruth E. (K12); Bradford, Kathy (DOS); Sipple, Amanda (Courts); [email-masked]'; Gerardi, Debra (OMB); Graves, Lauren (LegHall); Grimes, Pamela (DHSS); [email-masked]'; Reyes, Sandy (OMB); Stecher, Claire C (DOJ); Swain, Marjorie L. (Courts); Thomas, Donna D. (ODS); Thompson, Sondra (Courts)
Subject: SB 144 Signing-Invitation

Governor Jack Markell invites you to join him as he signs Senate Bill 144, relating to background checks for child-serving entities.

The signing will take place on Tuesday, August 11th at 9:00 a.m.
at the Governor's Office, Carvel State Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Please let me know if you are able to attend.

Thanks!

Jacquelyn Peck
Communications Assistant
Office of Governor Jack Markell
302.577.8715
[email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]