Pennsylvania Mandatory Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (Renewal Licensure): Summary 15
Responsibilities for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse There are two types of reporters : Mandated reporters and permissive reporters.
Basis to Report A mandated reporter shall make a report of suspected child abuse in accordance with Section 6313 (relating to reporting procedure) if the mandated reporter has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse under any of the following circumstances. • The mandated reporter comes into contact with the child in the course of employment, occupation, and practice of a profession or through a regularly scheduled program, activity, or service • The mandated reporter is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or training of the child, or is affiliated with an agency, institution, organization, school, regularly established church or religious organization, or other entity that is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or training of the child • A person makes a specific disclosure to the mandated reporter that an identifiable child is the victim of child abuse. This means that the mandated reporter is required to make the referral whether they are “on or off the clock.” There are many ways to identify a child or family—it is not only limited to knowing their names • An individual 14 years of age or older makes a specific disclosure to the mandated reporter that the individual has committed child abuse ○ Nothing in this section shall require a child to come before the mandated reporter in order for the mandated reporter to make a report of suspected child abuse Reporting Process The law requires that the mandated reporter identify themselves and where they can be reached. They must leave their full name and contact information. This information is helpful so that if clarification on the situation or additional information is needed, the Children & Youth caseworker can contact the
LEARNING TIP! Mandated reporters: Required to make a report of suspected child abuse.
• A person licensed or certified to practice in any health-related field under the jurisdiction of the Department of State • A medical examiner, coroner, or funeral director • An employee of a healthcare facility or provider licensed by the Department of Health who is engaged in the admission, examination, care, or treatment of individuals • A school employee • An employee of a child-care service who has direct contact with children in the course of their employment • A member of the clergy, for example, priest, rabbi, minister, Christian Science practitioner, religious healer, or spiritual leader of any regularly established church or other religious organization • An individual, paid or unpaid, who, on the basis of their role as an integral part of a regularly scheduled program, activity, or service, is responsible for children’s welfare or has direct contact with children • An employee of a social services agency who has direct contact with children in the course of employment • A peace officer or law enforcement official • An emergency medical services provider certified by the Department of Health Permissive reporters: Are encouraged, but not required, to report child abuse; are not required to give their name, but it may be released to law enforcement officials or the district attorney’s office if necessary.
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