Must a mandated reporter give their name? The law requires that the mandated reporter identify themselves and where they can be reached. This information is helpful so that if clarification on the situation or additional information is needed, the children and youth caseworker can contact the mandated reporter. Will the name of the mandated reporter be released? The identity of the person making the report is kept confidential with the exception of being released to law enforcement officials or the district attorney’s office. What if a mandated reporter fails to follow the law? The penalties for a mandated reporter who willfully fails to report child abuse range from a misdemeanor of second degree to a felony of the second degree. Will a mandated reporter have to testify in court? Mandated reporters may be required to testify in a civil or criminal court case, including a juvenile or criminal court proceeding. What happens after a report is made? ChildLine forwards the report of suspected child abuse to the local county children and youth agency, which investigates the report to determine if the allegations can be substantiated as child abuse/neglect and also arranges for or provides the services that are needed to prevent the further maltreatment of the child and to preserve the family unit. The county children and youth agency must begin an investigation within 24 hours. A thorough inquiry is conducted to determine if the child was abused and what services are appropriate for the child and family. This must be completed within 30 days unless the agency provides justification as to why the investigation cannot be completed, including attempts being made to obtain medical records or interview subjects of the report. If the alleged perpetrator named in the report does not meet the definition of perpetrator under the CPSL, but does suggest the need for investigation, ChildLine will forward the information to the district attorney’s office in the respective county. Ilearnwhetherornotthechildwas abused and what the agency is do How does a mandated reporter learn what happened on the report they made and what the agency is doing to protect the child from further abuse? Mandated reporters will receive information from the Department regarding the final status of the report, whether it was unfounded, indicated or founded, and the services planned or provided to protect the child. What will be done for the child? Pennsylvania is committed to advancing child protection policies and practices that, when possible, keep children safely in their own homes connected to nurturing and protective adults. Under Pennsylvania law, it is the responsibility of the county children and youth agency to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect or assess a family for General Protective Services. County children and youth agencies, in partnership with families and community-based agencies, strive to provide services to prevent any further abuse of the child and to ensure the child’s well -being and healthy development. The county agency and its partners work to strengthen the child’s family toward breaking the cycle of abuse and to preserve the family, whenever possible. Should the child be found to be in danger of continued harm, the county agency may petition the court to have the child removed from the home with ongoing court monitoring to determine if the child can safely be reunited with his/her family.
4 07/13/2015
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