Mandatory Reporting Obligations
All Providers, particularly emergency, critical care and urgent care Providers must be alert for the signs of suspected child abuse, and as mandatory reporters under the Child Protective Services law, know their legal responsibility to report such suspicions.
To make a report call:
- Childline — 1-800-932-0313, a 24-hour toll free telephone reporting system operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to receive reports of suspected child abuse.
A mandated reporter making an oral report of suspected child abuse to the department via the Statewide toll-free telephone number (800-932-0313) must also make a written report, which may be submitted electronically within 48 hours to the department or county agency assigned to the case by using the CY-47 Report of Suspected Child Abuse form, found on the Department of Human Services’ Report Child Abuse webpage.
Additional resources addressing mandatory reporter requirements:
- The Juvenile Law Center of Philadelphia, Child Abuse and the Law
- The Center for Children’s Justice, Child Protection FAQ’s: Reporting Child Abuse in Pennsylvania
In 2010, the Adult Protective Services (APS) Law, Act 70 of 2010, was enacted to provide protective services to adults between 18 and 59 years of age who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The APS Law establishes a program of protective services to detect, prevent, reduce and eliminate abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment of adults in need.
A report can be made on behalf of the adult whether they live in their home or in a care facility such as a nursing facility, group home, hospital, etc. Reporters may remain anonymous and have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination, and civil and criminal prosecution. The statewide Protective Services hotline is available 24 hours a day.
Abuse or neglect of Plan Enrollees age of 18-59 may be reported to Adult Protective Services by calling 1-800-490-8505.
Additional resources are located at the Department of Human Services’ Adult Protective Services webpage.