With Pennsylvania newspapers dominated by child sex abuse stories, advocates say they are growing frustrated that little has changed in state law in recent months, reports the Harrisburg Patriot-News. The headline events include the rape trial of former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky and the Catholic clergy abuse scandal in Philadelphia. One group placed ads to pressure state Rep. Ron Marsico, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, to vote on a bill to alter the state's statute of limitations laws in child sexual abuse cases.
Advocates also want to see a law passed requiring school personnel to receive a minimum of three hours' training on recognizing and reporting suspected abuse. The state's 11-member Task Force on Child Protection, created by Gov. Tom Corbett and lawmakers in December, is studying the state's laws to suggest improvements. They remain optimistic positive outcomes will result from the panel's recommendations, which are due this fall. Still, advocates see no reason to delay moving legislation immediately.