Nevada: assembly OKs opening child abuse hearings to public.

The Nevada Appeal

The Nevada Assembly unanimously approved a bill opening child abuse and neglect cases to the public. Proponents of the bill said public scrutiny of the cases will ultimately help children. Judges can, however, close the hearings if they find it in the best interest

of the child to do so. Judge Gerald Hardcastle, a Clark County family court judge, supported the measure during committee hearings on the bill. He said instances of mismanagement by child welfare agencies have gone unnoticed by the public because of closed hearings. State Division of Child and Family Services Chief Edward Cotton, however, testified against the bill. He said exposing abused children to public scrutiny is not proper, Currently, 17 states have opened their child abuse and neglect hearings.