READING, Nov. 27, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank applauded the work of the Task Force on Child Protection, which today released its report detailing recommendations for improving Pennsylvania’s laws regarding child abuse.

“This is a very important report that offers a comprehensive blueprint on how to address the issue of child abuse,” said Schwank, who is a member of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “The thoughtful perspective that the task force took was excellent. Its recommendations would bring Pennsylvania into the 21st century in dealing with the shameful problem of child abuse.”

“Armed with this insightful report, lawmakers must take a more aggressive approach in dealing with child abuse and how we can craft laws that will more effectively protect our children and punish those who harm them,” Schwank said. “We must not put off acting on the recommendations in the report. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee to explore and implement legislative remedies as outlined in the report.”

Child abuse protection is especially critical in Berks County, which was ranked fifth in the state for number of reported child abuse cases in 2011, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s 2011 Annual Child Abuse Report.

“It is all of our responsibility as citizens to protect our children from sick individuals who prey upon them,” Schwank said. “Too often, child abuse goes unreported. This report is a call to action and the first step toward improving our laws.”

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