Casey introduces more legislation to require reports of child abuse
Sen. Bob Casey today introduced legislation to strengthen laws to require all adults to report suspected child abuse. Sen. Barbara Boxer of California co-sponsored the bill.
The Speak Up to Protect Every Abused Kid (Speak Up) Act of 2011 “would require all states to pass and enforce a law requiring all adults to report instances of known or suspected child abuse in order for states to receive funding through the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act,” Casey’s announcement reads.
The legislation comes a week after Sen. Larry Farnese and Rep. Kevin Boyle announced their own legislation targeting child abuse. All three come in the midst of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal.
Among other things, Casey’s bill would require that abuse be reported directly to law enforcement or the state’s Child Protective Services agency.
Rep. Patrick Murphy Thursday will announce steps he says should be taken to improve child safety measures.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.