As the 2014 legislative session begins, advocates are hoping it will bring both policy and funding gains for children's services. High-profile issues include a massive crackdown on sexually violent predators and an overhaul of the child welfare system.
After a scathing review of 40 children's deaths from abuse and neglect, lawmakers are intent on getting to the bottom of systemic woes at the Department of Children and Families. House Speaker Will Weatherford says it's one of his top priorities this session.
"Part of it's money. Part of it's policy", Weatherford said. "But I will consider this session a failure if we don't do something to try to address this problem."
Lawmakers have been exploring ways to reduce the caseloads and turnover of front-line child protection staff. They're also considering a requirement that child protective investigators have a social-work degree.
Also moving are bills aimed at improving health and safety standards for early learning programs and extending low-cost health insurance to more children.