Walker Signs Order Changing Child Abuse Reporting Requirement

In what is likely a response to the scandal at Penn State University, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed an executive order earlier today that adds UW System professors and staff to the list of people who are required to report suspected abuse or neglect.

The order requires any University of Wisconsin System staff member who witnesses abuse, hears about abuse or has any other reason to suspect a child is being abused or neglected to report it to the county social services department or the police.

The executive order also makes it illegal to discriminate or discharge any employee who complies with the reporting rules.

Prior to the change, the only people required to report suspected abuse or neglect were health practitioners, social workers, law enforcement officers, child care providers, counselors, school teachers, and school staff members.

Penn State University recently fired long-time football coach Joe Paterno and other staff members after a former defensive coordinator was accused of sexually assaulting a child in the showers and evidence surfaced indicating the university did not properly report the incident.