Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children task force... - KOAM TV 7

Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children task force makes recommendations to protect children

Missouri's task force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children released 22 recommendations to better protect the safety of children.

Missouri lawmakers requested the task force during the legislative session in 2011.

The members studied and identified strategies for preventing child sexual abuse and heard testimony from 35 child sexual abuse experts before making recommendations.

One recommendation is to change Missouri law to require that people legally obligated to report suspected abuse contact the state's Children's Division directly.  The existing law allows so-called mandatory reporters to notify someone within their own organizations.