From the office of State Sen. Nancy Jacobs:
As an advocate for the safety of children who has fought hard to pass legislation cracking down on child predators, I am glad to see Jerry Sandusky put behind bars for what may be the rest of his life. There he will no longer be able to prey on young boys. His many victims can hopefully heal now, knowing they did the right thing by testifying in Sandusky’s criminal trial.
But it’s important to remember the lesson learned from the Sandusky case when it comes to reporting suspected child abuse. In Maryland everyone, not just teachers or health workers, are required by law to report *suspected* child abuse. Don’t worry you might be wrong to assume abuse is occurring, but leave it to the experts like social workers and police, to investigate. This is the only safe thing to do for the sake of children who could continue to be subject to abuse if you don’t report it.
Last year I tried to pass a bill that would put teeth into Maryland’s child abuse reporting laws by adding a misdemeanor penalty for not reporting. Right now there is no inducement to report suspected abuse, except for possible action against the state license of a professional such as a teacher, social worker or doctor. During testimony on my bill it was revealed that
only one teacher ever faced licensing sanctions over several decades.
It’s time for the State of Maryland to do more to protect young children who may not report they are being abused. There should be a penalty for those who suspect it, but turn their heads the other way, preferring not to get involved.
“There should be a penalty for those who suspect it, but turn their heads the other way, preferring not to get involved.”
yes, we need a mandatory good samaritan law…
It’s a shame that law makers cannot pass a law to protect children. I am a parent and think that not protecting children should be a crime. This one is a no brainer and it is criminal that people think the other person is going t call 911. The Jerry Sandusky’s of Maryland are probably laughing all the way to the bank. Just look into the eyes of a victim and see the pain that will not go away! Sexual Abuse and Child Abuse need stronger laws……
There are tons of useless laws put in place by ineffective lawmakers, but what about Jessica’s Law? Look at all the States that cannot or will not even do the right thing about child-predators. I would rarely recommend that a new law is needed (rather enforce the laws we already have!!) but in the case of these predators, they need to be removed once and for all from society – that is the intent of Jessica’s Law. Until it is taken seriously, we will all read about repeat offenders over and over.
Try living it…instead of reading about it. I am sure the lawmakers are pandering to special interest groups and don’t want to stifle the rights of the “accused”. I don’t know how people can defend not doing anything.
Does anyone know what Mrs. Jacobs status will be after the November election if she loses to Dutch? Still in State Senate?
As a local Real Estate Investor with Allgen Real Estate, I think Sandusky is innocent. I have always enjoyed him and his program for kids. There is no problem with having boys over to a mentors house for overnight stays. It happens all the time with youth leaders in various programs whether it is with recreation, churches, schools, etc. Even today I would not have a problem sending my child to his program.
You might want to get the problems with your business fixed before you start sending your kids over to Jerry’s. Anyway, I’m not sure they allow kids to stay overnight with the inmates in prison.
trollollololled
Just because I am a registered Sex Offender does not mean I cannot do business in the State of Maryland….