Frankfort, Ky. -Judi Patton testified before a legislative committee today, telling legislators that reform is needed in the area of child protection to "ensure that when a child lives in danger, we can step in."

Mrs. Patton was testifying on a legislative proposal which she and Governor Patton have created which makes needed improvements in the state's system for protecting abused and neglected children. During her testimony, she pointed out weaknesses in the state's current laws which result in children being exposed to the most serious forms of abuse before the court or the Department for Social Services can take action. "I cannot believe that we have to wait until a child is harmed to that degree before we take action" she said.

Governor Patton has indicated that if the child protection legislative proposal is ready, he may add it to the call for the May Special Session. The bill will be sponsored by Representative Tom Burch.

Mrs. Patton currently serves as Special Advisor to the Governor's Office of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Services. Her comments came during testimony before the Family and Children's Sub-Committee of the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare.