As director of Youth and Shelter Services of Marshall County, David Hicks is all about helping out children and families in need.
That effort will continue as he is part of a new statewide committee, after being appointed by Sen. Steve Sodders, D-State Center.
Hicks, of Marshalltown, will join the a committee to review mandatory child abuse reporter training in Iowa.
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Hicks
"It really all comes down to child safety, child welfare," Hicks said. "We want a concise, consistent training plan across the state. We'll really push for consistency across the state."
Hicks said they will look at human service agencies across the state and their policies to make sure abuse on children is reported and there are no gaps.
"We want to be able to close those loopholes and protect children," he said.
They will also look at ways teachers, daycares and other people that deal with children can report abuse.
Sodders said he has been familiar with Hicks' work through YSS as the senator has served on the YSS board and witnessed how he helps area children and families.
"To me, he makes a great fit for that," Sodders said. "I feel he's a great professional who knows what he's doing."
This committee will meet this fall and hopes to have a plan to present to Gov. Terry Branstad in mid-December, prior to the 2013 legislative session.
Hicks continues in his role at YSS and this group is a volunteer effort for him.
"I'm really proud to be a part of this group to improve child welfare across the state," he said.