Report Child Rape in Wake of Penn State Scandal

Editor's Note: Coming Sunday on Patch - Jailed sex offenders like Jerry Sandusky can still get state pensions.

Anyone with information about a case of child abuse such as child rape is urged to report it to authorities in the wake of Penn State's

Call 800-932-0313 to reach Pennsylvania's Child Line.

Former FBI director Louis Freeh led an investigation into the scandal. Hundreds of people were interviewed.

The probe found that the Nobody ever spoke to Sandusky about his conduct or reported incidents to law enforcement.

Freeh said coaches didn't react to accusations against Sandusky and even former coach Joe Paterno admitted he could have done more to address the situation.

In a press conference Thursday morning, Freeh publicized the Child Line number. 

The Mission of Child Line is to accept calls from the public and professional sources 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Cultural sensitivity and courteous demeanor will be displayed at all times to all callers. Child Line will provide information, counseling, and referral services for families and children to ensure the safety and well being of the children of Pennsylvania.

The Intake Unit (800-932-0313) is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of suspected child abuse. Professionals who come into contact with children are required to report when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the care, supervision, guidance or training of that person or of their agency, institution or organization is an abused child. In addition, any person may report suspected abuse, even if the individual wishes to remain anonymous.

Each call is answered by a trained intake specialist who will interview the caller to determine the most appropriate course of action. Actions include forwarding a report to a county agency for investigation as child abuse or general protective services, forwarding a report directly to law enforcement officials or refer the caller to local social services (such as counseling, financial aid and legal services).