By Timothy Puko
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, April 18, 2011
Many of the people considered to be on the front lines in Pennsylvania's fight against child abuse do not understand what they should do or have not been trained in reporting suspected cases, a new survey says.
Hospital staff, clergy, teachers and other people known as mandatory reporters -- those required to call the state's abuse hot line any time they suspect a child has been abused -- were among those expressing frustration in the survey. FULL STORY
"Since most referrals come from professionals, the fact that three-quarters were eventually judged unsubstantiated or otherwise disposed of is troubling. The public is very distrustful of anything that appears to be a witch-hunt when it come to child abuse; therefore, over reporting damages the system's credibility and also wastes resources; at the same time under reporting leaves the victims at risk. This figure appears to indicate the need for better means of identification and some additional professional training." - Marty Richman 4-5-2011
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