Paddack to be honored for work in protecting children

April 20, 2008 12:23 pm

— State Sen. Susan Paddack will be inducted into the Child Advocates Hall of Fame on April 22 in Oklahoma City by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy.
“Being selected to the Child Advocates Hall of Fame is a sincere privilege. I came to the state Legislature with the hopes of serving all Oklahomans, particularly our precious children,” said Paddack.
“Nothing is as satisfying as knowing you helped protect a defenseless child from danger and nothing is as rewarding as working to ensure young children are safe so that one day they reach their true potential. Oklahoma children deserve every opportunity to succeed.”
Anne Roberts, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy executive director, said Paddack, a Democrat from Ada, will be recognized for her ongoing legislative efforts to protect children.
Roberts said Paddack is among a small group of Oklahoma policymakers that “have made a real difference in the lives of the children and young people of our state.”
Paddack will be honored for her work in child abuse prevention and K-12 education in Oklahoma.
“In 2006, Sen. Paddack moved a bill through the legislature to ensure that teachers in Oklahoma receive annual training in the recognition and reporting of suspected child abuse,” said Roberts.
“Oklahoma law requires every person who has reason to believe a child under 18 is being abused or neglected to report this suspicion promptly to the Department of Humans Services. Yet many cases go unreported because of a misunderstanding of the duty to report. More than anyone else in a child’s life, teachers are in a unique position to observe the daily lives and interactions of children and their families.
Paddack said she will continue working to improve the lives and welfare of Oklahoma youth.
“I believe in a responsible government that works to protect children and offer them opportunities to fulfill dreams of their futures and live their lives in safety,” said Paddack, who serves on the Education, Finance, Appropriations and Energy and Environment committees in the Oklahoma State Senate.
“I believe in building a better world for the next generation of Oklahomans and I will continue to advocate for children’s rights in the State Senate.”
The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Skirvin Hotel.

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