EXECUTIVE ORDER
No. 1993-8
GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE ON CHILDREN'S JUSTICE
AMENDMENT OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 1991-38
WHEREAS, on December 13, 1991, Executive Order 1991-38 was issued creating the Governor's Task Force of Children's Justice within the Executive Office of the Governor; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend Executive Order 1991-38.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Engler, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby order that Executive Order 1991-38 be amended to read as follows:
WHEREAS, a primary interest of the State of Michigan is to promote and enhance the best interest of children living within this State; and
WHEREAS, the prevention of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, is of utmost importance to the well-being of this State's children; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of this administration to enhance child abuse prevention efforts, particularly with respect to child sexual abuse, by reforming State investigative, administrative and judicial handling of such cases, where necessary, and by obtaining available federal funding for such efforts; and
WHEREAS, Section 109 of Title I of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as amended by Public Laws 100-294 and 101-126, authorizes grants to states for the purpose of assisting states in developing, establishing and operating programs designed to improve:
1. the handling of child abuse cases, particularly cases of child sexual abuse, in a manner which limits additional trauma to the child victim; and
2. the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse; and
WHEREAS, the goals of this administration and of the Act are facilitated by creation of an organization within the State of Michigan designed to promote these objectives and to secure available federal funds for the purposes indicated. NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Engler, Governor of the State of Michigan, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 and the laws of the State of Michigan, do hereby order the continuation of the Governor's Task Force on Children's Justice, retroactive to December 15, 1992, within the Executive Office of the Governor.
The Task Force is charged with the following responsibilities:
1. Review and evaluate State investigative, administrative and judicial handling of cases of child abuse, particularly of child sexual abuse; and
2. Make recommendations in each of the following categories:
(a) investigative, administrative and judicial handling of cases of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse cases, in a manner which reduces the additional trauma to the child victim and which also ensures procedural fairness to the accused;
(b) experimental, model and demonstration programs for testing innovative approaches and techniques which may improve the rate of successful prosecution or enhance the effectiveness of judicial and administrative action in child abuse cases, particularly child sexual abuse cases, and which also ensure procedural fairness to the accused; and
(c) reform of State laws, ordinances, regulations and procedures to provide comprehensive protection for children from abuse, particularly sexual abuse, while ensuring fairness to all affected persons.
The Task Force members shall be appointed by the Governor for a term of two years and shall be composed of the following:
(a) representatives of the law enforcement community;
(b) judicial and legal officers (including individuals involved with the defense, as well as the prosecution of such cases);
(c) child advocates;
(d) health and mental health professionals;
(e) representatives of child protective service agencies;
(f) individuals experienced in working with children with handicaps; (g) parents and representatives of parents' groups; and
(h) court-appointed special advocates.
The Governor shall designate the Chairperson of the Task Force.
The Task Force shall function as the state-wide coordinating council to oversee implementation of the recommendations contained in the findings in each of the above categories. The Task Force, acting as the state-wide coordinating council, shall develop model state-wide protocols adaptable to local needs.
The Task Force, acting as the state-wide coordinating council, shall develop a state-wide comprehensive initiative to educate the public about child abuse and neglect.
The Task Force shall submit to the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations in each of the categories outlined above.
The Task Force shall function on an ongoing basis. Annually the Task Force shall submit to the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations in each of the categories outlined above.
Staff for the Task Force will be provided by the Department of Social Services.
All state departments and agencies shall cooperate with the Task Force in the performance of its responsibilities. The Task Force may request, and state agencies and departments shall provide, such policy and technical information as is required by the Task Force in the discharge of its responsibilities.
In fulfillment of the requirement of Article V, Section 2, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963, the provisions of this Executive Order shall become effective immediately upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this _______ day of March, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Three, and of the Commonwealth, One Hundred Fifty-Seven.
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GOVERNOR
BY THE GOVERNOR:
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SECRETARY OF STATE