Lawmakers mull bill to address child abuse in response to West Haven boy’s 2024 death

The 2024 death of Gavin Peterson, due to abuse at the hands of his father, stepmother and brother, has spurred legislation to augment the ability of state officials to intervene when they believe a child may be at risk of harm.

SB124 would create a means for juvenile court officials to issue special "investigative warrants" permitting law enforcement reps or child caseworkers to check on the status of children they fear may face health, safety or welfare threats. The warrants could be issued when law enforcement officials or child caseworkers have been thwarted in other efforts to check on such children.