By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Education Committee would require that all public schools post a toll-free telephone number operated by the Department of Children and Families to receive reports of child abuse, neglect or child-at-risk. The number would have to be posted in a clearly visible location in a public area of the school and be written in both English and Spanish.

“I was inspired by other states that have done this, namely Texas, to ensure that everyone working with children — especially students who often know more about what’s going on with their classmates — knows there is a state resource to help a child in peril,” said Rep. Anthony Vega (D-Holyoke) the bill’s sponsor.