How and why does DHS photograph children’s private areas?

DHS justifies its position by a statute in Colorado that allows social workers to take color photographs of “visible injuries.” C.R.S. § 19-3-306. DHS argues that “visible injuries” means injuries that can be seen on a naked child, allowing social workers to take off the child’s clothes. DHS stated, “There is no limitation on the taking of the photographs because the purpose is to document injuries, regardless of where the injuries may be.”

So a social worker can whip a camera out of her purse to photograph your child’s private areas if she “reasonably” believes there may be abuse.

FAQ 
on strip searching children in Colorado

 

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