In a new effort to stem child abuse and neglect, Gov. Bill Ritter joined lawmakers at a Capitol news conference today to call for a state ombudsman’s office that would advocate on behalf of children. Their proposal, Senate Bill171, would establish the office within the state Department of Human Services; its sponsors, Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, and Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, appeared with and the governor at the noon event.

“In the past three years, Colorado has seen over 30 childhood abuse- and neglect-related deaths under our care. How many kids have to die before we take action?” Newell said.

The  proposal came out of a committee formed by Ritter in April 2008 to find ways to protect children who were falling through the cracks. Among the recommendations from the committee was providing an independent advocate for children at risk.

“This bill will allow us to establish a child-protection ombudsman to help strengthen services and ultimately reduce instances of abuse, neglect and maltreatment,” said Ritter.

If the measure is approved by the legislature, Colorado will join 29 other states that have already created an ombudsman office to oversee child protection.