Pennsylvania Mandatory Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (Renewal Licensure): Summary 16
reporter. This reporting process was created with the mandated reporter in mind. 1. A mandated reporter shall immediately make an oral report of suspected child abuse via the statewide toll-free telephone number or a written report using electronic technologies under Section 6305 (relating to electronic reporting) 2. A mandated reporter making an oral report of suspected child abuse shall also make a written report, which may be submitted electronically, within 48 hours to the department or county agency assigned to the case in a manner and format prescribed by the department 3. The failure of the mandated reporter to file the report shall not relieve the county agency from any duty, and the county agency shall proceed as though the mandated reporter complied Immediate Reporting Reports should be made immediately either orally to ChildLine (1-800-932-0313) or through the electronic submission through the Child Welfare portal at www.compass.state. pa.us/cwis. Oral reports are then required to be followed up within 48 hours with a written report that is sent to the investigating agency. The approved written form can be found at www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov Statute of Limitations The statute of limitations for an offense shall be either the statute of limitations for the crime committed against the minor child or five years, whichever is greater. After the Report is Made ChildLine receives the report and determines who is to respond to the report, dependent upon the information reported, such as the identity, if known, of the person who allegedly acted to abuse or harm the child.
ChildLine will immediately transmit oral or electronic reports they receive to the appropriate county agency and/or law enforcement official. • If a person identified falls under the definition of perpetrator, ChildLine will refer the report to the appropriate county agency for an investigation • If a person identified is not a perpetrator and the behavior reported includes a crime, ChildLine will refer the report to law enforcement officials • If a person identified falls under the definition of perpetrator and the behavior reported includes a criminal violation, ChildLine will refer the report to the appropriate county agency and law enforcement officials. Protection for Reporters
LEARNING TIP! Immunity from liability: A person, hospital, institution, school, facility, agency or agency employee acting in good faith shall have immunity from civil and criminal liability.
Presumption of Good Faith For the purpose of any civil or criminal proceeding, the good faith of a person required to report pursuant to Section 6311 (relating to persons required to report suspected child abuse) and of any person required to make a referral to law enforcement officers under this chapter shall be presumed.
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