Pennsylvania Mandatory Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (Renewal Licensure): Summary 12
Child Protective Services (CPS) Cases that are identified as being under the purview of CPS require abuse investigations because the alleged act or failure to act has been identified as one of the 10 categories of child abuse. Protective Services Law (CPSL). General Protective Services (GPS) Cases that are identified as being under the purview of GPS require an assessment for services and support. In these cases, the act or failure to act is detrimental to a child but does not fall under the 10 categories of child abuse per the CPSL. These services can help parents recognize and correct conditions that are harmful to their children. GPS services may be employed to help prevent harm to a child who meets one or more of the following conditions: • Is without proper parental care or control; subsistence; education as required by law; or other care or control necessary for their physical, mental, or emotional health, or morals • Has been placed for care or adoption in violation of the law • Has been abandoned by parents, guardian, or other custodian • Is without a parent, guardian, or legal custodian Definitions Related to the Child Protective Services Law Child: An individual under the age of 18.
INTRODUCTION Approximately 3.5 million children in the U.S. were the subjects of at least one child abuse report in 2017. In Pennsylvania alone, there were 46,208 reports of suspected child abuse in 2017. The Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) was enacted in 1975 and has had numerous updates over the years. The goal was to protect children from abuse, thereby allowing the opportunity for the healthy growth and development of children and whenever possible, the preservation of family stability. Act 33 of 2014 amended Title 23 (Domestic Relations) known as the Child Protective Services Law, which In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, child welfare is state supervised and county administered. The Pennsylvania General Assembly created the Task Force on Child Protection in 2011. The objective was to conduct a thorough review of the law and its procedures for reporting child abuse while protecting children. As a result of this law, many pieces of legislation have been enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. was effective December 31, 2014. Overview of Child Welfare in Pennsylvania The Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) This law was enacted to protect children from abuse; allow the opportunity for healthy growth and development; and, whenever possible, preserve and stabilize the family. Children, Youth and Families agencies have two essential functions: Child Protective Services (CSP) and General Protective Services (GPS). Mandated reporters do not have to determine which service is most appropriate for their specific situation when contacting ChildLine.
LEARNING TIP! Child abuse: The term "child abuse" shall mean intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly doing any type of sexual abuse, exploitation, bodily injury, or neglect.
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