Author: Helen Cahalane, Ph.D., ACSW, LCSW
Child Welfare Education and Research Programs, University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work

While originating from a tragic constellation of individual deviance, exploitation of trust and gaps in system responsibility, the high profile cases of child abuse in Pennsylvania increased public awareness of child maltreatment and a re-examination of the laws designed to safeguard children. Following recommendations made by a specially appointed Task Force, the input of advocates and the advice of both public and private stakeholders, Pennsylvania passed 23 pieces of legislation over the course of one year to assure children greater protection from abuse. Definitions of what constitutes child abuse, who is a perpetrator, failure to act, and who is a legally mandated reporter are among some of the major amendments made to the state’s Child Protective Services Law. Training for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect is now required for all licensed professionals and those applying for a license or certification, as well as for educators and school employees. Training in child abuse recognition and reporting is also readily accessible to the general public; individuals such as concerned neighbors, friends, witnesses or by-standers who are considered to be permissive reporters of suspected abuse or neglect. All of these measures, including many statutory changes that impact the practices and daily routines of child welfare professionals, were put in place to restore public confidence in the state’s ability to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

Although most of the nation is well-aware of the who and the what that led to these profound changes, few know that it was the courage and fortitude of a [tweet_dis]Title IV-E child welfare graduate that brought the case of one child victim and his serial perpetrator to public attention.[/tweet_dis] As we learned from the victims who have come forward thus far, is it likely that many individuals knew, or had strong signs or indications, of the countless acts of abuse that were committed against vulnerable children over decades. What one Title IV-E child welfare graduate taught all of us, through her preparation for practice, her legal and ethical convictions, and her courage to take action, is that protecting children is our obligation. Regardless of whether an individual is required by law or compelled by moral conscience, assuring that all children are safe from harm is a collective community responsibility. Mandatory training and public education are just pieces of this process, but represent a significant step toward widespread recognition and awareness of the harm that can occur when we fail to fulfill our obligation to protect our youngest citizens. In the words of [tweet_dis]Nelson Mandela, “…there can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”[/tweet_dis]