Panel to recommend child-abuse law changes in Pa.

[November 27, 2012]  HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- A commission set up by the Pennsylvania Legislature after Jerry Sandusky's molestation arrest last year will issue a report that could recommend changes to state law.

The Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection Tuesday may also suggest new procedures to protect children.

The 11-person group was set up by the state House and Senate, with membership drawn from the legal profession, educators and health care workers.

The chairman, Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler, had hoped to have the report issued before the current legislative session ends so that lawmakers could take action, but the General Assembly is not expected to return until January.

Possible areas of focus include how child abuse is reported, the need to pass new laws or amend existing laws, and potential improvements in training.

Sandusky, 68, a former Penn State assistant football coach, is serving a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence after being convicted this summer of 45 counts of sexual abuse of boys.

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Online:
http://www.childprotection.state.pa.us/index.cfm

[Associated Press; The Associated Press]

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