Princeton resident named New Jersey child advocte

By: Molly Petrilla
   Princeton resident E. Susan Hodgson has been named the state’s child advocate by Gov. Jon Corzine.
   "New Jersey’s Child Advocate must be someone who can speak to the complex issues involved in child welfare on behalf of those who are too young or vulnerable to speak for themselves," the governor said in a prepared statement. "Dr. Hodgson’s extensive experience as a board-certified pediatrician and demonstrated commitment to child safety will ensure that the state meets the high standards that the children of New Jersey deserve."
   Since 1981, Dr. Hodgson has worked as a pediatrician, often aiding abused and neglected children.
   She was named co-medical director of the Dorothy B. Hersh Regional Child Protection Center in New Brunswick in 1997, and continues to work closely with the center’s Division of Youth and Family Services, where she helped develop and implement a training program to help physicians and DYFS employees recognize and respond to signs of child abuse or neglect.
   Dr. Hodgson has served as co-chair of the state’s Central Regional Diagnostic Fatality Review Team since 1998, and is a member of the teaching faculty at the Drexel School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
   "I am honored to be chosen as the child advocate," she said in a prepared statement. "It has been my life’s work to look out for the health and welfare of children.
   "New Jersey has taken great steps this year to strengthen its commitment to children," she continued. "I can think of no more rewarding challenge than to join this effort to ensure the safety and wellbeing of New Jersey children."