Charleston, WV - Senate President Jeff Kessler (D - Marshall) applauded Governor Tomblin today for signing legislation strengthening West Virginia’s child abuse reporting requirements.
Senate Bill 161 requires anyone over the age of eighteen to report witnessed or suspected child abuse to the West Virginia State Police within 48 hours of discovery. In addition to adding administrators, employees and volunteers of organizations that offer programs for children to the list of persons required to report child abuse and neglect, the bill also established training for them to recognize the signs of abuse.
“Any type of child abuse or neglect is unacceptable,” says Kessler. “Governor Tomblin has always been committed to protecting West Virginia’s children and worked alongside the Legislature to ensure their safety.”
President Kessler called for a thorough review of the State’s child abuse reporting laws following the recent events at Penn State and Syracuse Universities. The Senate immediately took action to prevent such a tragedy from happening in West Virginia.
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