HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett has released the following statement applauding the Task Force on Child Protection, a panel created by the General Assembly, for its review of state laws and procedures governing child protection and the reporting of child abuse.
“I want to thank the task force – especially the chairman, David Heckler – for leading such a comprehensive review of our child protective services laws and regulations,” Corbett said.
“The task force’s recommendations are an important step in putting the protection of Pennsylvania’s children first. My staff and I will work with the legislature, law enforcement agencies and advocates to review each recommendation in detail.
“It’s my hope that we can take the work of the task force to help create a culture that promotes greater awareness, more accountability and better coordination.
“If we want to continue to protect Pennsylvania’s children from abuse and neglect, we must close the gaps that exist between state and local government, law enforcement, and health and child welfare agencies,” Corbett said.
The 12-member task force was led by Heckler, district attorney of Bucks County.
The report, submitted today, is online at: www.childprotection.state.pa.us.
To report suspected child abuse in Pennsylvania contact the Department of Public Welfare’s Childline and Abuse Registry at 1-800-932-0313.
