A Missouri task force focused on preventing child sex abuse released nearly two dozen recommendations Thursday that included training, awareness, mental health services and changes to state law, reports the Associated Press. Joy Oesterly, executive director of Missouri KidsFirst and the task force’s leader, said it will take a combination of the ideas to make a significant difference. She said implementing the changes will require cooperation from lawmakers, organizations and others.
A 2011 law created the 14-member task force, which included legislators, law enforcement officers, advocates, education officials and others. Its report included 22 recommendations and was submitted to the governor, the Legislature and the State Board of Education. The suggestions fell into seven different areas: community-based prevention, professional training, multi-disciplinary action, mental health services, awareness, funding and state law changes – which include a proposed constitutional amendment.