J.D. Prose, USA TODAY Network - PA State Capitol Bureau
Saying that having children testify in-person before their alleged abusers is “absolutely horrifying,” Pennsylvania’s outgoing auditor general on Tuesday called for sweeping reforms to the state’s child-abuse appeals process.
Putting already traumatized children through hearings where they might be confronted by alleged abusers “is a cruel practice that should’ve ended decades ago,” said Auditor General Eugene DePasquale during an online press conference unveiling his third and final “State of the Child” report.
DePasquale, a Democrat, was term limited out of office and lost his bid for the 10th Congressional District seat. He released previous reports in 2017 and 2018.