Sweeping changes suggested for Pa. child-abuse law - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

Sweeping changes suggested for Pa. child-abuse law

Updated:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - 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 the Child Protective Services 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 is serving a state prison sentence for child sexual abuse.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WFMJ. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms