ADRIAN, Mich. - Sheriff Larry Richardson (D-Adrian) has been appointed by the Governor to serve a two year term on the Governor's Task Force on Children's Justice. Sheriff Richardson, who has served as Lenawee County's Sheriff since 2000, succeeds Beverly Davidson as one of the members representing the law enforcement community on this panel.
"I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the children of the State of Michigan," Sheriff Richardson said. "When I received the call from the Governor's office asking whether I would be willing to sit as a member of this task force, I was thrilled. As a long time child advocate and police officer, protecting the children of our community has long been a concern near to my heart. I look forward to working with the other members of this task force to ensure that we are taking every action necessary to protect our children from abuse and neglect."
Created by Executive Order No. 8 of 1993, the Governor's Task Force on Children's Justice is a multi-disciplinary entity that implements the federal Children's Justice Act. The Task Force, which is federally funded, reviews Michigan's investigation, administration and judicial handling of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuses and makes recommendations for law revisions and system improvements. The task force also develops model programs for statewide implementation.
The membership is comprised of representatives from the law enforcement community; judicial and legal officers (including individuals involved with the defense, as well as the prosecution of such cases); child advocates; health and mental health professionals; representatives of child protective service agencies; individuals experienced in working with children with handicaps; parents and representatives of parents' groups; and court-appointed special advocates. Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver serves as the chairperson for the task force.
"Larry Richardson is well known around Lenawee County for his work on behalf of our children, both as Sheriff and long before that as a member of the Adrian City Police force, serving as a youth officer for many years," said Representative Spade. "I am pleased that the entire state of Michigan will now be able to benefit from Larry's experience as we have in Lenawee County for so long."