On June 1, 2011, Michael Stinson, MSPH, CHES, director of Prevention Services at the PHMC affiliate Joseph J. Peters Institute, testified before Philadelphia City Council on behalf of the Freedom from Abuse Rights (FAR) legislation introduced by Councilman Bill Green. The legislation, spearheaded by Stacey Graham, legislative counsel to Councilman Green, implements a new procedure for DHS intervention in cases of known or suspected child abuse. FAR legislation, a child empowerment initiative, offers a bill-of-rights document to children, informing them of their rights to be free from abuse. This document also provides children with additional resources available outside of the home to advocate on their behalf. The legislation was passed unanimously by Philadelphia City Council on June 9.