February 21, 2012
OLYMPIA – Legislators are working to seal the cracks that allow child abuse to go unreported at schools.

A bill making its way through the state House requires college employees in athletic, academic and administrative departments to report any signs of suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement officials or the Department of Social and Health Services.

The measure deems those school employees "mandatory reporters," meaning that their failure to speak up about potential instances of child abuse could earn them some jail time or a fine up to $5,000.

According to the bill, all other college employees must at least tell "mandatory reporters" about anything they observe that may be a sign of child abuse. The legislation also requires schools to ensure employees are aware of this responsibility.

Mandates on who must officially disclose any witnessed signs of child abuse have evolved over the past 20 years to include more government officials and adults in positions of authority over children.

The bill passed the Senate with full support from both Republicans and Democrats last week. It came up for its first House hearing Monday night in the Committee on Early Learning and Human Services.

Two members of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council briefly spoke in support of the bill. No one testified against it. The measure could come up for a committee vote later this week.