GAINESVILLE - A new state law designed to better protect children who are abused went into effect on Monday. Despite the law's good intentions, some worry it could end up creating an avalanche of new child abuse reports, potentially overwhelming an agency that many feel is already overworked. 

 

The law was crafted earlier this year, right after the Penn State University sex abuse scandal first came to light.  The goal was to increase the penalties for anyone who knowingly fails to report a case of child abuse. 

 

While the Florida Department of Children and Families acknowledges their caseload may soon increase as a result of this law, they say they're ready for the onslaught of additional cases.

 

If you suspect a child is being harmed or abused by anyone, you're now required by law to contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.