Stresses need for continued work to protect Pennsylvania children
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement in reaction to the report of the Task Force on Child Protection. The Task Force was created by resolution of the state Senate and House of Representatives:
“The Child Protection Task Force has put together an important document and a list of recommendations that will address issues that have been ignored for too long.
“Today’s recommendations are a critical first step toward improving the laws that protect our children. I applaud the work of the task force members for opening the door to the future for our children and their families and thank them for their efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania families and their children. They have done a complete and thorough job and have taken an in- depth look at where laws can be changed.
“Protecting children is not a political, religious, educational or financial issue. It is an issue of human compassion and its one we cannot and should not ever ignore.
“We all bear the responsibility of protecting children. No matter your profession, we all have to work to ensure the health and safety of our youngest citizens. While recent child abuse cases in Pennsylvania have brought to the surface examples of where our system is broken, we must never shy away from the work it will take moving forward to fix it.
“In Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have so many organizations working together to combat child abuse. From medical professionals, to our law enforcement partners and community organizations – such as the local Children’s Advocacy Centers – there is an already established network of support from which we need to continue building.
“Each and every one of our children should be given the opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that is safe and healthy. We need to work collectively to pave the way to the future for our children so that they can be safe and able to thrive. That should be our ultimate goal.
“One thing is for sure – the recommendations of the task force are just the beginning of the conversation. We have work to do. Our kids are counting on us.”