Senator Jeanie Riddle Receives Prestigious Award From SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Jeanie Riddle, R-Callaway County, received the prestigious Crystal Wagon award from the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation and Board of Governors at a ceremony on Sept. 5 at the St. Louis Club. The award recognizes individuals for their efforts and work toward improving the lives of all children.
“I am honored to receive this award, and I would like to thank everyone with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital for this recognition,” stated Sen. Riddle. “From teaching and coaching in the South Callaway School District to standing up for children in the General Assembly, creating a better world for our children has been and continues to be one of my life’s top priorities.”
Senator Riddle championed numerous issues during the legislative session intended to protect children from dangerous situations. She supported legislation expanding the list of offenses that require a juvenile officer or an official with the state’s Children’s Division to file a petition with the court to terminate parental rights. Senator Riddle also supported legislation making it easier for the state’s Children’s Division and other state agencies to share information regarding child abuse and neglect investigations. In addition, Sen. Riddle handled legislation requiring all licensed child care providers and their employees to pass a nationwide criminal background check in order to operate in Missouri. During the 2015 legislative session, Sen. Riddle sponsored legislation to strengthen juvenile sexual abuse investigations, expand awareness of the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline and implement guidelines to encourage safe sleep practices in child care settings. These measures were part of Senate Bill 341 that was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law.
Senator Riddle is the Chair of the Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, Vice-Chair of the Senate Seniors, Families and Children Committee and a member of the Trauma – Informed Care for Children and Families Task Force.
“The safety of all Missouri children is my top priority in the Missouri General Assembly,” stated Sen. Riddle. “Through commonsense solutions, I believe we can protect our state’s children and provide law enforcement and state officials with the tools they need to identify and stop child abuse and neglect in our state.”
For more information on Sen. Riddle and the legislation she sponsored this year, please visit her Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/riddle