PSU Scandal

2011 may well be remembered as a milestone in the focus on children, child abuse, and the institutions and
people who are legally and morally bound to protect them.  Penn State University (PSU), Joe Paterno, and
the subject of child abuse and victimization has been uppermost in the national (even international) media,
networks, commmentators, and street talk since a two year PA grand jury investigation and report was
released on November 4, 2011.  In addition to the legal aspects which will be forth coming for months, there
are deeper and many complex and interrelated social and emotional issues that need to be endured.  

First, from a personal and professional perspective I submit the following:

For over 40 years I have been a practicing attorney living in Williamsport, PA, which is about 55 miles east
of State College, PA, home of PSU.  My life long, home city is the birthplace of Little League Baseball,
which annually hosts the Little League World Series, most of which I have attended. The personal aura,
family-oriented, wholesomeness, youth participation, and sports interest is deeply rooted in this central PA
area.  

Professionally, it has been my privilege to work with foster children, parents, law enforcement and social
workers as Solicitor for Lycoming County Children and Youth Agency for 35 years.  Child abuse, neglect,
broken homes, children seeking safety, stability, permanency, and mentors have been a major part of my
continuing professional focus and responsibility.  

Testimony was received over a two year period by a PA Grand Jury that briefly found: Jerry Sandusky, a
former PSU coach and founder of program known as the Second Mile (founded in 1977), for boys from
broken homes and troubled backgrounds, allegedly sexually abused, at least six young boys over at least a
15 year period of time.