It’s a toll-free number and can save a life: 1-800-922-5330.

That is the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services’ 24-hour hot line number to call if you suspect a child is being abused.

Pennsylvania’s equivalent number should have been called years ago when former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was allegedly seen sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy in the locker-room showers in 2002. The incident was reported to have been observed by a Penn State graduate assistant, who told coach Joe Paterno, who told Athletic Director Tim Curley. They and other university officials never reported the incident to authorities.

More boys were allegedly abused, and no one did anything about it until Sandusky was arrested on Nov. 5.

No longer can such indifference be ignored.

States across the country, including Kansas, have mandatory reporting laws. Douglas County Chief Assistant District Attorney Amy McGowan, who prosecutes many sex crimes, said the Sandusky case was shocking. She told the Journal-World last week that she knew many people’s immediate impulse was to believe that sexual abuse is not happening and to maybe be concerned about the repercussions of reporting it. But, she said, be most concerned about the child.

Kansas state law requires people in certain kinds of professions to report child sexual abuse to SRS. These people — teachers, school administrators, doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, counselors, court officials, clergy, child-care providers, emergency personnel — have the most contact with children and are the likely ones to see the signs of abuse and neglect. Mandated reporting is required for instances that usually fall under confidentiality agreements, such as those between a doctor and patient.

Those who are mandated by law to report child sexual abuse and fail to do so could be charged with a misdemeanor, which comes with a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. And like the fired Paterno, the legendary Penn State coach who remained quiet and failed to report this incident to appropriate law enforcement officials, a career is also at stake.

Most important is the child and his or her well-being. Adults must do the right thing, every time, no questions asked. Make the call and let the professionals determine how to handle the case.