MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Ethan’s Law is finally set to become law in Wisconsin on Thursday afternoon.
At 3:00pm, Governor Tony Evers reportedly plans to sign off on the law that would prevent children from being placed in the care of adults who have been found guilty of abusing a child, entered a plea of “no contest” to a child-abuse charge, or plea-bargained that crime down to a lesser offense.
“We talked to a lot of stakeholders and I think there is pretty broad agreement that this was such a common sense thing. Unfortunately it took longer to accomplish and was more difficult than maybe it should have been,” said State Senator Andre Jacque of De Pere. “Should be a no brainer in terms of making sure that we are not putting children in harm’s way when they’ve already come from a very abusive or difficult situation.”
Jacque authored the bill, naming it after Ethan Hauschultz. Hauschultz died under the care of relatives who had been previously charged in child abuse-related incidents.
“This is something that I do think is gonna save lives across the state. What happened to Ethan unfortunately was not an isolated circumstance. I think it really is putting attention on what more we can do to really strengthen our foster care system,” Jacque told WTAQ News. “Finally seeing pen to paper, it is a relief. And it just feels fantastic to know that there is that greater protection, that stronger guideline…[but] Wisconsin has a ways to go in terms of improving our foster care system, and we have to show that we are going to support people that are going to do everything they can to take care of kids.”
Most child abuse reports in the state come through mandatory reporters in schools and other facets of society. With the pandemic and virtual schooling, Jacque says not as many people were in position to see the warning signs – so it’s important to rededicate the effort to watch for any potential problems.
“There’s a lot of things that we have to look at in terms of dealing with child abuse. I have other legislation out there that deals with posters in our schools, in terms of how children can call for help,” Jacque said.
Jacque also introduced a foster parents bill of rights, which is working it’s way through the state legislature.
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