Task Force on Child Protection Prepares to Start Work

Ten members have been appointed to a task force that will review Pennsylvania’s child protection laws and procedures for reporting abuse.   David Heckler, the Bucks County District Attorney, will chair the Task Force on Child Protection.

The panel has been charged with reviewing the laws, practices, processes and procedures relating to Pennsylvania’s response to child abuse. Heckler says the resolution creating the task force calls for at least five meetings between now and September 30th, so he’s anxious to get staff in place and gather the members of the task force to start setting the agenda.  

Heckler says he’s impressed with the scope and depth of knowledge the task force members bring to this work.  He’s also looking forward to hearing from experts around the country.  He adds there will be hearings to get the public’s input as well.  The final report is due by November 30th.

Heckler, a former judge, says it’s important that the state create child protection laws that are realistic. He says such laws must place responsibilities and criminal burdens that the public and juries can support.

Heckler says they need to tap the very substantial expertise on the panel, throughout the Commonwealth and beyond, and then start reaching conclusions.

The members of the task force were appointed by the governor and legislation as outlined in House Resolution 522 and Senate Resolution 250.

 The four members appointed by the governor are:

• David  Heckler, Bucks County District Attorney;
• William Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation
• Dr. Cindy W. Christian, M.D., director of Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection and Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Delilah Rumburg, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center

Members appointed by the Senate are:

• Dr. Rachel Berger, member of Child Protection Team at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
• Garrison Ipock Jr., executive director, The Glen Mills Schools, Glen Mills
• Carol Hobbs-Picciotto, MHS, Intake Social Worker, City of Philadelphia

 Members appointed by the House are:

• Jason Kutalakis, senior partner, Abom & Kutalakis LLP, Carlisle
• Jackie Bernard, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Blair County
• Hon. Arthur Grim, Senior Judge, Court of Common Pleas of Berks County