House lawmakers want to force the military to improve oversight at its child day cares, including a 24-hour rule on notification of parents in cases of abuse, following reporting by Military.com.
The move by the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday comes after the Pentagon inspector general this week announced reviews of military day care oversight, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently reassured Congress that inspections and policies are in place to protect children. The Army also on May 17 directed its day care centers to report incidents of sexual behavior between children to parents, adopting a policy already in place in many states for the private sector.
A Military.com investigation in April uncovered several cases of abuse and sexual behavior between children at military child development centers in three states. The cases highlighted a system of oversight that is frustratingly slow to notify parents when abuse occurs, emphasizes protecting the institution, and has a confusing chain of responsibility that slows progress in investigating and prosecuting cases of abuse.
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Workers at on-base child care centers serving military families would be required to notify parents and guardians of any incidents involving their children within 24 hours under legislation approved Wednesday night in the House committee’s…
