This week's scandal associated with Penn State and Jerry Sandusky has resulted in the spotlight being on Penn State, Coach Paterno and President Spanier. However, local professionals have kept their focus on the most important players in this debacle, the victims of child abuse.
Counselors at New Passages and the attorneys at Abom & Kutulakis, L.L.P. have teamed together to help those affected by the Sandusky child abuses.
"I have represented victims of child abuse for over 15 years and advocated for juvenile rights throughout our Commonwealth. Our professional community must pull together to help guide the victims and their families through these difficult times," reports the 2006 Pennsylvania Bar Association's Child Advocate of the Year, Jason P. Kutulakis, Esquire.
The legal process is just beginning and will likely continue in the criminal matter for the next year. "As witnesses in the criminal case or a civil suit, navigating through the court process in high profile cases like this one can often be extremely stressful for the victims of child abuse. Our law firm will be assisting those victims and their families who need our services," says Kutulakis.
Deborah L. Bauer, LCSW is a counselor at New Passages, Inc. who reminds us that, "Child abuse has wide-reaching affects, not only changing the life of the victim, but also impacting the families and friends of the victim. We are able to offer psychological and therapeutic services to all of those individuals who have been affected by the Sandusky sex scandal."
New Passages accepts a variety of insurances, but Bauer reminds us that most crime victims will be able to obtain their services through the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund.
Kutulakis, a senior partner at Abom & Kutulakis, is also leading the efforts to re-write the Child Protective Services Law and to close the loopholes that could have protected some of the Sandusky victims. In 2011, Kutulakis spearheaded the unveiling of ChildFirst PA, a week long training program for first responders who investigate suspected child abuse. The next ChildFirst PA session is in March 2012 at Messiah College.
If you would like more information on the counseling services offered or to schedule an appointment, please contact
Abom & Kutulakis, co-authors (Nov. 14, 2011)
Lessons from Penn State:
A Call to Implement a New Pattern of Training for Mandated Reporters and Child Protection Professionals... Click here for details.
New Passages, Inc.
3235 North 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-234-3839
http://newpassagesinc.com
Abom & Kutulakis, L.L.P.
2 West High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
1-877-249-8100
abomkutulakis.com
Jason Kutulakis
Jason Kutulakis interviewed by ABC27 news regarding Sandusky scandal. Should President Spanier or Paterno by placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into their action/inactions?
Jason Kutulakis interviewed by ABC27 news regarding Sandusky scandal. Should President Spanier or Paterno by placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into their action/inactions?
