A mandated reporter is a person who has a legal duty to report child abuse. Under Pennsylvania Law, mandated reporters are defined as people who in the course of their work have contact with children and who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the care, supervision, guidance, or training of that person, or an agency, institution, organization or other entity with which that person is affiliated, is abused. This list includes, but is not limited to:
Licensed physicians, osteopaths, medical examiners, coroners, funeral directors, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, interns, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or hospital personnel engaged in the admission, examination, care, or treatment of persons
Christian Science practitioners or members of the clergy
School administrators, school teachers, school nurses, social services workers, daycare center workers, or any other child care or foster care workers
Mental health professionals
Peace officers or law enforcement officials (23 Pa.C.S. § 6311)
If you are not a mandated reporter, you are still encouraged to make a report if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected.
what’s involved?
Making a report begins by calling the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare at 800-932-0313. You should be prepared to tell them the whereabouts of the child; the name, address and phone number of the child’s caregiver; and the perpetrator of the abuse. You’ll need to let that person know the type of abuse you believe the child experienced, what causes you to believe the child was abused and any knowledge you have about the perpetrator’s access to the child. This information is integral to assessing how quickly the report will be investigated.
You will need to give your information as well; however, your identity will be held in confidence. The caregiver(s), child and alleged perpetrators will not be told that you made the report.
If you are a professional making a mandated report, you will need to follow your verbal report with a written report to the county CYD office within 48 hours on a CY-47 form. Click here for a printable version of this form.
report abuse
If you suspect a child you know is being abused, you should call the Department of Public Welfare hotline at 800-932-0313. In Philadelphia, you can also call DHS directly at 215-683-6100
faq Q: What can I do if a child is not being cared for properly, but may not be an abused child?
A: Reports about the safety of children including (but not limited to) inadequate housing, clothing and supervision should be referred to the county children and youth agency (i.e., DHS) for assessment as general protective service cases.
Q: What should I do when I suspect a child has been abused?
A: The law says that mandated reporters must immediately make a report, or notify the person in charge. The person in charge or the designee must make a report of suspected child abuse immediately to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
