Family Life

10.27.11 | Sarah Harnisch

  Teenagers in Pennsylvania who are found guilty of sex crimes could be added to a national sex offender registry. It's called the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. It would require all 50 states to join a national database for sex offenders. Adam Walsh was the murdered son of the host of America's Most Wanted. Critics are upset that it would make kids as young as 14 years old register for 25 years. They argue 14 is too young to be labeled on a national database for more then 2 decades-- no matter what the crime is. Supporters say the teens would have to be found delinquent of the most violent cases-- rape, sexual assault, and involuntary intercourse. Pennsylvania is supposed to pass its version of the Adam Walsh Act by December 31st.