Senator Bob Casey (D- PA) introduced legislation entitled, “Speak Up to Protect Every Abused Kid Act of 2011,” addressing the necessity for ensuring that child abuse is reported when it occurs. One aspect of the legislation would require that every adult be a mandatory reporter when witnessing any type of child abuse. This proposed legislation, as well as other pending legislation planned by members of Congress, is in response to recent allegations that surfaced at Pennsylvania State University and Syracuse University. In addition to Sen. Casey’s legislation, he requested a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Children and Families. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee, supported Sen. Casey in his request for a hearing and scheduled it for Tuesday, December 13, 2011.
