Sweeping Changes Suggested for Pa. Child-abuse Law

KOLO
November 27, 2012

http://www.kolotv.com/sports/headlines/Sweeping-Changes-Suggested-For-Pa-Child-Abuse-Law-181021491.html

A commission set up by the Pennsylvania Legislature after Jerry Sandusky's molestation arrest last year says "sweeping" changes to state law are needed.

The Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection announced Tuesday its recommendations, which include rewriting state law.

It says the state should change how child abuse cases are handled, revamp how child abuse crimes are investigated, and improve training for those responsible for child welfare.

The group says the state should eliminate a requirement that children have to experience severe pain in order to be classified as abuse under the law.

The definition of "perpetrator" would be expanded greatly and penalties would be harsher for people who don't report abuse.

Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant football coach, is serving a state prison sentence for child sexual abuse.