State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) believes that parents and guardians who are currently under investigation by the Alabama Department of Human Resources should be fully informed of their due process rights.
Paschal introduced the “DHR Transparency and Due Process Rights Notification Act” Wednesday. The lawmaker believes this bill is part of the effort by the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) to “strengthen families.”
“Protecting children and others from harm is always our number one priority, but every American is guaranteed certain due process rights when being investigated by the government,” Paschal said. “False accusations can often result during domestic disputes and messy divorces, so it is especially important for the innocent to know how to navigate the process for reclaiming their good name and character.”
Under the provisions the bill, DHR will be required to notify parents, guardians, or custodians in writing if they are under investigation for child abuse or neglect. In addition, they will receive written notification of their due process rights, including the right to review investigation records, record interactions with DHR investigators, seek legal counsel, and deny home entry for interviews, drug tests, and medical exams without a court order.
Those under investigation will also be informed that their statements may be used in civil or criminal court hearings.
“My bill is just bringing transparency and protecting parents’ due process rights,” Paschal said recently on FMtalk 106.5. “It is not going to give parents due process rights. We have those already.”
DHR employees involved in investigations will be required to undergo training in investigatory techniques and family preservation, and child placements with relatives and parental visitation will be prioritized.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
