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This submission is regarding the Sept. 21 article covering the civil case against Ryan Blazier and the Bellwood-Antis School District.
Specifically, I would like to bring clarity to the portion of the article quoting a statement from attorney Lisa Siefert stating "Let's be clear. The janitors didn't witness any sexual contact."
Mandated reporter training is provided to individuals whose work brings them in the vicinity of children.
The training is based on teaching individuals how to know when to suspect child abuse and how to report it.
If a mandated reported hears a scream and witnesses a child in distress, they should report.
It is the duty of the state to determine whether the incident constitutes abuse.
We, as mandated reporters, need only to suspect abuse.
This should be made clear to the public because it is not necessary to undergo training for mandated reporting.
Anyone who suspects child abuse can report it to Childline.
In the interest of protecting children from abuse in this area, I recommend this clarification be made to the public.
Childline PA Department of Human Services: 1-800-932-0313.
Kara E. Kimberly MD
Julian