HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to protect children from abuse that may involve a member of the U.S. Armed Forces was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today.
Senate Bill 436 would recognize the “Family Advocacy Program,” established by the U.S. Department of Defense to address child abuse and domestic abuse in military communities.
Current state law does not require child protective services (CPS) to identify military families in cases of child abuse and neglect, nor are they required to report cases to the appropriate military authorities. Senate Bill 436 will require CPS to immediately notify the Family Advocacy Program or the service member’s assigned military installation if the service member is the subject of a report due to an investigation.
“Unfortunately, child abuse can happen in any type of family and in any setting, including the military,” said Pennycuick. “We’ve come so far as a society to protect children from these horrible crimes. Let’s ensure that children aren’t left to suffer because the abuse is occurring in a military family.”
Senate Bill 436 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388