An Act establishing an independent child protection and advocacy agency

HD 5365 establishes the Independent Child Protection and Advocacy Agency (ICPAA) to protect vulnerable children under 18 with disabilities, medical conditions, or special needs who face neglect, abuse, or systemic barriers to care. The agency independently investigates abuse/neglect reports, monitors care providers (including state and private entities), and advocates for children’s rights in legal or educational settings without oversight from other departments. It can impose daily civil penalties of up to $5,000 on agencies failing to cooperate with investigations. The ICPAA operates with confidentiality protections for its records and coordinates with existing child welfare departments like the Department of Children and Families to strengthen oversight.