Bill changes requirements for reporting child abuse

Bill changes requirements for reporting child abuse&
By Kristen Doerschner
Sunday, May 11, 2014

It took nine years and a national scandal for a bill that strengthens child abuse reporting requirements for school employees to make its way through the Legislature.

The bill -- which cleared the House on March 18 and the Senate Wednesday -- was first introduced in 2005 by Sen. Wayne D. Fontana, D-42, Pittsburgh. Fontana, determined to see the bill become law, said he has re-introduced the bill every session since then.

The bill was presented to Gov. Tom Corbett Thursday, and, after it is signed, it will take effect Dec. 31.

Two of the major changes regard who is required to report suspected abuse to the authorities and what types of injuries can be investigated.

School employees and anyone who provides a school-sponsored program, activity or service will be required to report suspect child abuse directly to the Department of Public Welfare’s ChildLine and to their school administrator.
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/bill-changes-requirements-for-reporting-child-abuse/article_b250587e-3076-57bf-a883-c3d2744d9b58.html