Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Child abuse watchdogs - Mandated Reporting

Child abuse watchdogs
Baltimore Sun - February 26, 2008

Many lawmakers want to get tougher on people who are required by law to report possible child abuse and neglect. Last week the Senate passed a bill that would impose criminal penalties for failing to report.

Although the sentiment is understandable, it may be more important to increase training so that workers responsible for children and families in the child welfare system and their mandated helpers can do their jobs effectively.

Maryland is one of about 18 states that requires everyone to report suspected child abuse, according to a legislative audit. But professionals such as police officers, certain health and human service workers, teachers and medical examiners have a higher responsibility to inform appropriate authorities, although there is no legal penalty for failing to do so. An obvious or egregious case of failure to report might result in disciplinary action or the loss of a professional license, but outside the realm of child welfare workers dealing with cases, those sanctions are extremely rare. The proposed legislation would add parole and probation agents to the list of mandated reporters, and it would make failing to report a misdemeanor subject to a maximum $1,000 fine. Passing such a law would certainly put Maryland in line with the majority of states that impose penalties, mostly misdemeanors, on those who are required to report. It may make sense to subject mandated reporters in Maryland to more serious penalties, but a fine may be sufficient.

Of course, the legislative effort to impose harsher penalties is being revived after the tragic death of 2-year-old Bryanna Harris, whose mother has been charged with killing her. But it's unclear that harsher penalties on mandated reporting would have saved a toddler such as Bryanna, since her contacts outside the child welfare system were sporadic.

Several child welfare professionals involved with Bryanna and her family have already been disciplined or fired. They might have benefited from lighter caseloads, more focused training and better supervision. Other cases involving signs of abuse missed by teachers or other professionals might have been helped by increased training or similar measures.

A death or lapse within the child welfare system presents many opportunities to improve policies. There should be consequences when mandated reporters shirk their duty.

But before imposing criminal penalties, it would be better to impress upon them the important responsibility they have and the lives they can improve or save. The troubled children they encounter must be able to rely on their consistent diligence.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Case of Rabbi David Kedmi


Case of Rabbi David Kedmi
(AKA: Dovid Kedmi, Duvid Kedmi, Dave Kedmi)

 
1-800-4-A-MOHEL, Certified Mohel - New Hempstead, NY 
Teacher - Yavneh AcademyParamus, NJ
Former Student - Yeshiva UniversityWashington Heights, NY
Former Student - Queens College, Flushing, NY 
Spring Valley, NY
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Connecticut
Athens, Greece
Children’s Village of Jerusalem - Jerusalem, Israel

 
Back in 2008 a civil suit has been filed and won against Rabbi David Kedmi to recover damages for Battery and Breach of Contract.  Rabbi David Kedmi is an orthodox rabbi. 

According to various web pages, Rabbi David Kedmi supports a host of organizations dedicated to the Jewish people that strive to instill in them a strong education and a proud sense of Jewish identity. He supports AMIT (Americans for Israel and Torah), the UJA-Federation of New York, NCSY (formerly known as the National Conference of Synagogue Youth), the National Council of Young Israel, the Israel Defense Forces, and New York’s Yeshiva University.

Rabbi David Kedmi contributes to charities, such as the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as well as Israeli organizations such as the Children’s Village of Jerusalem, a group that provides children at risk in Israel with material and emotional support.

Rabbi David Kedmi is listed as a resource as a mohel on the Temple Sholom web page, even though they were notified several times over the years of the serious allegations made against him.

If you have a photograph of Rabbi David Kedmi, please forward it to The Awareness Center

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Disclaimer: Inclusion in this website does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement. Individuals must decide for themselves if the resources meet their own personal needs. 
 
Table of Contents: 

2008 
  1. About Rabbi David Kedmi 
  2. Supreme Court of the State of New York (02/25/2008) 
  3. Civil Suit Filed Against Rabbi David Kedmi - Certified Mohel (New Hempstead, NY)  (03/21/2008).
2012
  1. Bio - Rabbi David Kedmi  (12/28/2012)
  2. David Kedmi - 1-800-4-A-MOHEL (12/28/2012) 
  3. Yavney Academy  (12/28/2012) 

2014
  1. Linkedin (01/03/2014)

Also see:

  1. Case of Rabbi Mark Dratch


_________________________________________________________________________________

About Rabbi David Kedmi
Rabbi David Kedmi's Blog 


After growing up in Jerusalem, Israel, Rabbi David Kedmi spent his early adulthood in the Israel Defense Forces. During his compulsory 36-month service, Rabbi David Kedmi served as a Chaplain in the Reserves and the Six Day War, organized educational programs, and supervised religious programs.

Immediately following his military term, Rabbi David Kedmi began his training as a Mohel (ritual circumciser). Under ordination from the Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rabbi David Kedmi earned his certification and was dispatched to Athens, Greece as a Mohel and assistant to the area rabbi. 

After his assignment in Greece was completed, Rabbi David Kedmi relocated to the United States. Intrigued by the new techniques of Mila (ritual circumcision), Rabbi David Kedmi investigated the modern methods from his new colleagues in order to improve his work and studied Judaica. Currently possessing 25 years of service in the New York metropolitan area, Rabbi David Kedmi has served clients all over the United States and across the world. 

Choosing to serve all groups of the Jewish community, Rabbi David Kedmi performs Mila for Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, and unaffiliated families. Clients have varied from physicians and leaders in the Jewish community to celebrities. 


In an effort to support the less fortunate, Rabbi David Kedmi promotes charities in the United States and Israel, including the Children’s Village in Jerusalem and the local Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Rabbi David Kedmi also is affiliated with educational and religious organizations such as the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Yeshiva University, National Council of Young Israel (NCSY), UJA Federation, and AMIT.

_________________________________________________________________________________

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF KINGS
February 25, 2008

As policy The Awareness Center removed the name of the survivor from the following document.
 
"A Mother, Plaintiff,
-against-
David Kedmi, Defendant.

1. On February 25, 2007, in Kings County, New York, Rabbi Kedmi conducted a ritual circumcision ("bris") and baby naming ceremony for the mother of infant twin children.

2. The woman and her husband were especially excited about the aforementioned bris and baby naming ceremony of their infant twins as they had extremely difficult conceiving and further, the twins were prematurely born approximately eight weeks early and remained in the hospital after birth for at least one month.

3. That in view of the difficulty in conception and premature birth, facts known to the Defendant, the aforementioned bris and baby naming ceremony was to be a joyous celebration of their twins who were now finally healthy enough for the same.

4. At this ceremony however, as is set forth herein, Rabbi Kedmi demand and inappropriately touched "the mother " and made lewd, flirtatious comments to her.

5. More specifically, on the date in question, Rabbi Kedmi touched "the mother's" buttocks. 

6. Further, on the date in question, Rabbi Kedmi suggestively touched "the mother's" shoulder. 

7. That "the mother" did not consent to Rabbi Kedmi touching either her buttocks or shoulder and that such touching was done for no lawful purpose.

8. That on the date in question, Rabbi Kedmi stated to "the mother," by saying, in sum and substance, among other things, that she "looked 17."

9. That on the date in question, Rabbi Kedmi stated to "the mother," by saying in sum and substance, among other things, that she "must have been a beauty queen."

10. That the aforementioned demeaning behavior, including offensive sexual touching and lewd and sexual comments took place in the presence of one or more witnesses, including Rabbi David Kedmi's wife.

11. Upon information and belief, Rabbi Kedmi's lewd comments, demeaning behavior and unwanted inappropriate touching of "the mother" is part of a pattern of similar conduct that Rabbi Kedmi has engaged in toward women, including toward other women during similar ceremonies he performed for other children.

12. That after experiencing Rabbi Kedmi's unlawful behavior as described above, and after later hearing about his alleged similar conduct toward other women, "the mother" reported Rabbi Kedmi to Mr. Jacob Rubinstein, employed at the Young Israel of Scarsdale synagogue "The mother" had utilized Rabbi Kedmi's services based upon a referral from Mr. Rubinstein.

13. During several conversations with Mr. Rubinstein, "the mother" was repeatedly assured that Mr. Kedmi had been referred for evaluation and treatment to Rabbi Mark Dratch, who, upon information and belief, is employed by an organization known as "JSAFE," and that action would be taken to address and correct Rabbi Kedmi's behavior.

14. That JSAFE's mission statement on their website purports that their goal is "to create an environment in which every institution and organization across the spectrum of the Jewish community conducts itself responsibly and effectively in addressing the wrongs of domestic violence, child abuse and professional improprieties -- whenever and by whomever they are perpetrated."

15. That "the mother" was assured that Rabbi Kedmi was undergoing treatment and that steps would be taken to protect other women from Rabbi Kedmi's predatory conduct, but that Rabbi Rubinstein and Rabbi Dratch would not provide details as to any "treatment plan," though "the mother" was assured that "treatment," "counseling" and additional "measures" were all put in place in an effort to correct "Rabbi Kedmi's behavior and protect women from his unlawful conduct.

16. That "the mother" later learned, in fact, contrary to the assurances provided by Rabbis Rubinstein and Dratch, no meaningful measures were taken to provide treatment to Rabbi Kedmi, to correct his behavior or to protect women from him.

17. That "the mother" later learned that the alleged "measures" implemented were that Rabbi Kedmi was not to be alone with a woman at a bris and that his wife must accompany him when he performs a bris.

18. That, when Mr. Kedmi inappropriately touched "the mother" and made lewd comments to her, there were, in fact, witnesses present, including Rabbi Kedmi's wife. Therefore, the "measures," were meaningless.

19. That "the mother" and her husband endured great hurdles to make it to what was supposed to be a the joyous occasion of their infant twin's bris and naming ceremony and instead, the day now evokes anger, pain and sullied memories.

20. As a result of the foregoing, "the mother" has suffered the permanent mark that Rabbi Kedmi has made on a momentous occasion from which "the mother" and her family can never fully recover.
 
21. That, prior to the filing this lawsuit to hold Rabbi Kedmi accountable for his actions, "the mother", and/or her attorneys: a) had several telephone conversations with rabbis Rubinstein and Dratch; and also b) sent two letters to Rabbi Kedmi and/or his lawyers, and also to rabbis' Rubinstein and Dratch, request that Rabbi Kedmi be made to undergo appropriate counseling and that steps be taken to protect women from Rabbi Kedmi.

22. And that, in spite of "the mother's" numerous correspondence, upon information and belief, rabbis' Kedmi, Rubinstein and Dratch each refused to take any meaningful steps to address "the mother's" concerns.

23. And that, upon learning "the mother" therefore planned to proceed with this lawsuit, Rabbi Kedmi's response, relayed via his counsel, was to among other things, threaten "the mother" that he would file a claim for slander against her.

24. That any such claim for slander would be patently frivolous and that threat was clearly made in an effort to intimidate "the mother" into not seeking to hold Rabbi Kedmi accountable for his unlawful conduct.

25. That further, upon information and belief, Rabbi Rubinstein and other members of the clergy continue to recommend Rabbi Kedmi to perform circumcisions notwithstanding their full knowledge of his pattern of unlawful and outrageous conduct and continue therefor to knowingly and willfully place women and families in harm's way.


AS AND FOR A FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
(Battery)
 
26. Plaintiff repeats, reiterates and realleges, each and every allegation set forth in the prior paragraphs, with the same force and effect as if set forth at length herein.

27. That Rabbi Kedmi's aforementioned touching of "the mother"was down without her consent and was intentional, offensive and wrongful, and therefore constitutes an intentional wrongful physical contact with her person without consent and was otherwise unlawful.

28. That "the mother" has suffered as a result of Rabbi Kedmi's wrongful physical contact and battery that was committed against her person.
29. That as a result of the foregoing battery, "the mother" has been damaged in the amount to be determined by the Court but believed to exceed Fifty-Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars.

AS AND FOR A SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
(Breach of Contract)
 
30. Plaintiff repeats, reiterates and realleges, each and every allegation set forth in the proper paragraphs herein, with the same force and effect as if set forth at length herein.

31. That Rabbi Kedmi is in breach of contract with "the mother" as implied in the contract was a good faith and fair dealing with was breached by Rabbi Kedmi, a party to the contract for the performance of the bris and baby naming ceremony.

32. Rabbi Kedmi breached said contract and covenant by acting in a manner that, deprived "the mother" and her family of the right to receive the type of ceremony for which they bargained.

33. That in view of the foregoing, and Rabbi Kedmi's actions, "the mother" did not receive the full and complete benefit of the bargain and thus wishes to hold Rabbi Kedmi in breach of contract.

34. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands judgment against the Defendant in an amount to be determined by believed to exceed $20,000.00


AS AND FOR A THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION
(punitive damages)
 
35. Plaintiff repeats, reiterates and realleges, each and every allegation set forth in the prior paragraphs herein, with the same force and effect as if set forth at length herein.

36. That as a result of the foregoing conduct of the Defendant, the same is liable to the Plaintiff for punitive damages.

37. Wherefore, Plaintiff demands punitive damages against the Defendant in the amount of One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars.


WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant as follows:
a. In the first cause of action, in an amount to be determined at the Trail of this Action, but believed to exceed $50,000.00;

b. In the second cause of action, in an amount to be determined at the Trail of this Action, but believed to exceed $20,000.00;

c. In the third cause of action, in an amount to be determined at the Trail of this Action, but believed to exceed One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars;

d. Each together with the cost, fees, reasonable attorneys fees and interest as set forth herein; and

c. For such other and further relief as to this Court may appear just and proper

Dated: February 25, 2008
Hauppauge, NY
Yours, etc.

The WEINSTEIN GROUP, P.C.
By: Melissa A. Cavaliere
10 Newton Place, Ste. 201
Hauppauge, New York 11788
631-851-1090

To: David Kedmi
(Address Removed)
Spring Valley, NY 10977-1743

_________________________________________________________________________________

Civil Suit Filed Against Rabbi David Kedmi - Certified Mohel 
The Awareness Center's Daily Newsletter - March 21, 2008
 
A civil suit has been filed against Rabbi David Kedmi to recover damages for Battery and Breach of Contract.

Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein / Rabbi Mark Dratch
On February 25, 2007, in Kings County, New York, Rabbi David Kedmi conducted a ritual circumcision ("bris") and baby naming ceremony for the parents of infant twin boys. During the celebration the mother was sexually harassed and groped by Rabbi Kedmi.

According to the complaint, Rabbi David Kedmi made lewd and sexual comments took place in the presence of one or more witnesses, including Rabbi Kedmi's wife. The mother also stated that Rabbi Kedmi touched her sexually.

The Survivor contacted Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein (the Young Israel of Scarsdale synagoguge) who was the rabbi who referred her to Rabbi Kedmi, and also Rabbi Mark Dratch (Director/founder of JSAFE). It appears that this was not the first sexual harassment complaint filed against Rabbi Kedmi. What is surprising is that little has been done to stop this alleged sexually offensive individual.

After several conversations with Both Rabbis Rubenstein and Dratch, the "Survivor" was assured that Rabbi Kedmi was undergoing treatment and that steps would be taken to protect other women from Rabbi Kedmi's predatory conduct, yet Rabbi Rubinstein and Rabbi Dratch would not provide details as to any "treatment plan,".


_________________________________________________________________________________

Bio - Rabbi David Kedmi
RabbiDavidKedmi.com - December 28, 2012

A native of Jerusalem, Rabbi David Kedmi completed his early education in the city before entering the Israeli military. After finishing his military service, Rabbi David Kedmi focused in on his career, enrolling in rabbinical studies and ultimately earning ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.


After his ordination, Rabbi David Kedmi chose to undergo further training through the Chief Rabbinate and became a certified Mohel, a person that performs ritual circumcisions during the bris ceremony. In order to receive this certification, Rabbi Kedmi completed advanced educational studies as well as a direct internship in the field. The internship included visits to many of the major hospitals in Jerusalem, where Rabbi David Kedmi observed, studied, and gained hands-on experience. Some of the country’s leading Mohalim directed Rabbi Kedmi’s studies and services.


After earning the certification, Rabbi David Kedmi accepted a post to Athens, Greece, where he served as the community Mohel while also assisting the local Rabbi in a variety of matters. Next, he relocated to the United States, and Rabbi Kedmi continued offering his services as a Mohel while also deepening his studies into many aspects of Judaic culture.

Over the next 25 years, Rabbi David Kedmi served Jewish communities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Dedicated to offering his support to a wide array of individuals, Rabbi Kedmi works with people from many different sects of Judaism, including Reform, Orthodox, and Conservative groups.


Following the same religious dedication of his professional life in his private life, Rabbi David Kedmi follows the requirement for socially conscious charitable involvement that is set forward in the Torah. Dr. David Kedmi contributes regularly to Children’s Village of Jerusalem, and also a local Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

_________________________________________________________________________________

David Kedmi - 1-800-4-A-MOHEL
December 28, 2012

 



_________________________________________________________________________________
Yavney Academy
December 28, 2012




_________________________________________________________________________________

Linkedin - Rabbi David Kedmi
January 3, 2014






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Some of the information on The Awareness Center's web pages may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml . If you wish to use copyrighted material from this update for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

____________________________________________________________________________________









Saturday, February 23, 2008

Abuse-reporting bill OK'd

Abuse-reporting bill OK'd
Failure to notify authorities in suspected cases would be crime
By Laura Smitherman
Baltimore Sun - February 23, 2008

The Senate approved yesterday a bill making it a crime for health care workers, police officers, educators and others to fail to report suspected child abuse to authorities, a measure that some fear would make those professionals scapegoats.

The chamber voted 35 to 10 to approve the proposal, which would make failure to report abuse a misdemeanor subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Similar legislation has failed in previous years, but proponents said recent high-profile cases such as the death last year of 2-year-old Bryanna Harris in The cham might spur more lawmakers to support the bill this year.

"Why not err on the side of children because injury and death are the results if we fail to report," said Sen. "Why not err on , a , a <runtime>Bal Democrat who sponsored the bill.

But several lawmakers said they have heard from teachers and doctors who are concerned that the bill could unfairly put them in legal jeopardy or cause them to report every child injury as possible abuse, inundating strapped caseworkers at local departments of social services.

"Teachers are required to do so much nowadays in terms of their responsibilities, "Teachers a "Teachers are requir, a Baltimore Democrat who opposed the bill. "I do understand the intent of the legislation because we do have so many problems. But I have a feeling that the cure in this particular instance goes a bit too far."

Forty-six states and the District of Columbia impose penalties on people who are required to report suspected abuse or neglect but knowingly or willfully fail to do so, according to a legislative analysis.

Thirty-eight of those states make it a misdemeanor, and some, including Thirty- and the District of Columbia, allow for jail time upon conviction.

Under current Maryland law, some professionals, such as nurses, doctors and social workers must report abuse or face possible sanctions from licensing boards.

The bill not only expands the list of those who are required to report to include parole and probation officers, but also adds the criminal penalty.

Attorneys and clergy are generally exempt from reporting requirements if they become aware of abuse through privileged, or confidential, communications that they can't be legally compelled to divulge.

MedChi, a professional society for doctors, and the Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics urged lawmakers to reject the proposal. They argued that physicians already face the loss of their licenses for failing to report suspected abuse. Further penalties would be "superfluous and unnecessary, MedChi, a professional society for doctors, an

"They are not criminals when they miss something," said Sen. Bobby A. Zirkin, a Baltimore County Democrat.

The state's public defender's office also weighed in against the bill, saying it would increase the number of false reports and expose children and their families to "needless embarrassment and potential separation," according to written testimony.

A similar bill passed the Senate in 2003 but died in the House of Delegates. It was introduced the next two years but floundered in committee.

This year, House Speaker This year, Hous said the bill is likely to get a favorable reception in his chamber, depending on how the legislation is written. Busch said there should be a process whereby professionals are made aware of their obligations and the consequences for not fulfilling them.

"It's important for people to be held responsible and accountable, "It's important for people to be held

The state's system for protecting vulnerable children has come under scrutiny since Bryanna Harris' death in June from methadone poisoning. Child-protective workers allowed her to stay with her drug-addicted mother, who has been charged with murder.

A recent report from the Baltimore City Health Department found that a nurse who worked closely with the Harris family did not observe physical abuse, nor did the nurse identify any imminent life-threatening risk.

Lawmakers also invoked the case of Shamir Hudson, 8, who was beaten to death by his adoptive mother in their mobile home outside Berlin in 1998. Social workers in that case had repeated reports of abuse but never removed him the home.

During debate over whether new legislation is needed, Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton, a Charles County Democrat, noted that the chamber voted Thursday to approve a bill to increase penalties for people who attend illegal dogfights and cockfights to as much as one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

"We're talking about abuse of children versus abuse of animals," he said.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Senate OKs bill making failure to report abuse a crime

Senate OKs bill making failure to report abuse a crime
By Laura Smitherman
BaltimoreSun - February 22, 2008

The Maryland Senate approved Friday a bill making it a crime for health care workers, police officers, educators and others to fail to report suspected child abuse to authorities, a measure that some fear would make those professionals scapegoats.

The chamber voted 35 to 10 to approve the proposal, which would make failure to report abuse a misdemeanor subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Similar legislation has failed in previous years, but proponents said recent high-profile cases such as the death last year of 2-year-old Bryanna Harris in Baltimore might spur more lawmakers to support the bill this year.

"Why not err on the side of children because injury and death are the results if we fail to report," said Sen. Delores G. Kelley, a Baltimore County Democrat who sponsored the bill.

But several lawmakers said they have heard from teachers and doctors who are concerned that the bill could unfairly put them in legal jeopardy or cause them to report every child injury as possible abuse, inundating strapped caseworkers at local departments of social services.

"Teachers are required to do so much nowadays in terms of their responsibilities, "Teachers are required to do so much nowadays in terms of their responsibilities,<wbr>" said Sen. Nathaniel J. McFadden, a Baltimore Democrat who opposed the bill. "I do understand the intent of the legislation because we do have so many proble

Forty-six states and the District of Columbia impose penalties on people who are required to report suspected abuse or neglect but knowingly or willfully fail to do so, according to a legislative analysis. Thirty-eight of those states make it a misdemeanor, and some, including Delaware and the District of Columbia, allow for jail time upon conviction.

Under current Maryland law, some professionals such as nurses, doctors and social workers must report abuse or face possible sanctions from licensing boards. The bill not only expands the list of those who are required to report to include parole and probation officers but also adds the criminal penalty.

Attorneys and clergy are generally exempt from reporting requirements if they become aware of abuse through privileged, or confidential, communications that they can't be legally compelled to divulge.

MedChi, a professional society for doctors, and the Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics urged lawmakers to reject the proposal. They argued that physicians already face the loss of their licenses for failing to report suspected abuse. Further penalties would be "super fluous and unnecessary, MedChi, a professional society for doctors, and

"They are not criminals when they miss something," said Sen. Bobby A. Zirkin, a Baltimore County Democrat.

The state's public defender's office also weighed in against the bill, saying it would increase the number of false reports and expose children and their families to "needless embarrassment and potential separation," according to written testimony.

A similar bill passed the Senate in 2003 but died in the House of Delegates. It was introduced the next two years but floundered in committee.

This year, House Speaker Michael E. Busch said the bill is likely to get a favorable reception in his chamber, depending on how the legislation is written. Busch said there should be a process whereby professionals are made aware of their obligations and the consequences for not fulfilling them.

"It's important for people to be held responsible and accountable, "It's important for people to be held

The state's system for protecting vulnerable children has come under scrutiny since Bryanna Harris' death in June from methadone poisoning. Child protective workers allowed her to stay with her drug-addicted mother, who has been charged with murder.

A recent report from the Baltimore City Health Department found that a nurse who worked closely with the Harris family did not observe physical abuse nor did the nurse identify any imminent life-threatening risk.

Lawmakers also invoked the case of Shamir Hudson, 8, who was beaten to death by his adoptive mother in their mobile home outside Berlin in 1998. Social workers in that case had repeated reports of abuse but never removed him the home.

During debate over whether new legislation is needed, Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton, a Charles County Democrat, noted that the chamber voted Thursday to approve bill to increase penalties for people who attend illegal dogfights and cock fights to as much as one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

"We're talking about abuse of children versus abuse of animals," he said.