University of Delaware reviews child abuse reporting protocol in wake of Penn State scandal

As Penn State’s child sex abuse scandal continues to dominate the media, the University of Delaware is reminding its staff and students about Delaware’s mandatory child abuse reporting law.

The University of Delaware’s Office of General Counsel issued “important information on Delaware’s Child Abuse Protection Act,” via the UDaily Tuesday — a site produced by the university’s Office of Communications and Marketing.

This comes after two Penn State officials were indicted earlier this month, accused of turning a blind eye when allegations initially surfaced about former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.

According to the statement, “Now is the time for all of us to review Delaware’s mandatory reporting statute and make sure we understand the process.”

Following former Lewes pediatrician Earl Bradley’s arrest and conviction of raping and sexually abusing scores of his young patients, Delaware’s Child Abuse Protection Act was broadened in scope. Now, ANYONE who knows about or suspects child abuse is legally required to report it to the state, not just those who routinely come in contact with children, like doctors and teachers.

“This means ANY member of our University community, including any student, faculty member of staff member,” as stated by the university.

Additionally, UD’s General Counsel also listed three steps to be followed if an individual sees, hears or knows about possible child abuse on campus.

You must immediately contact University Police by calling 911 or 302-831-2222.
You must immediately report what you know by calling the state’s child abuse reporting line at 1-800-292-9582.
Once you have made your telephone reports to University Police and Delaware’s Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, you must inform your immediate supervisor, who will in turn notify the appropriate vice president.