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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 6, 2017 09:59 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tina M. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Older student protection bill |
| The heartbreaking reality of widespread child abuse has led to great strides in better protecting Pennsylvania’s children. However, there remains one unaddressed gap. Pennsylvania’s child protective services law requires that mandated reporters like teachers report suspected child abuse to a dedicated line at the Department of Human Services which triggers an investigation. However, when that child attains the age of 18, teachers and other school employees can no longer use Child Line to report suspected abuse of an older student. Under Pennsylvania law, a student may attend high school up until age 21 if necessary. This creates a gap that is exacerbated by the fact that older students still in high school are more likely to have learning or other disabilities and therefore may not be able to convey abuse to caregivers. I am introducing legislation which will require that school employees become mandated reporters under the adult protective services law and made aware of the number to call to protect adult students. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1580