Suspected Child Abuse in Pennsylvania: What to Do Right Now

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Pennsylvania, call ChildLine immediately at 1-800-932-0313. ChildLine is a free, 24/7 hotline operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. You do not need to be certain abuse is occurring–having a reasonable suspicion is enough. Non-mandatory reporters can call anonymously.

In addition, if you are a mandatory reporter or involved in a family situation involving child abuse or accusations of abuse, speak to an experienced Pennsylvania family lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can help ensure that your rights and the child are well-protected. Call the Family Law Team at the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today. We’re ready to help.

What are the signs of child abuse or neglect?

Thousands of children face abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania every year. As victims are often too young, afraid, and vulnerable to speak for themselves, adults should be aware of the potential signs of abuse and neglect in children and report their suspicions to ChildLine.

Common signs of abuse or neglect may include:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• A child who seems fearful of a parent or caregiver
• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or school performance
• Changes in sleeping patterns, whether insomnia or sleeping too much
• Poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, or signs of hunger
• Signs of domestic violence in the home
• Inappropriate sexual behavior

Of course, no one sign necessarily means that the child is being abused, but if you notice patterns or multiple signs, it may suggest that the child needs help.

What is ChildLine?

Pennsylvania’s ChildLine is a statewide child abuse reporting hotline. It’s operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Every report made to ChildLine is reviewed by a trained caseworker and referred to the appropriate investigating agency, whether a county Children and Youth office, a regional DHS office, or local law enforcement. Every allegation is investigated.

You can also report suspected abuse online through the Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) portal.

Who are mandatory reporters in Pennsylvania?

State law requires certain professionals with proximity to children, healthcare, or the law to be “mandatory reporters.” That is, they are legally required to report suspected child abuse. Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporters include:

• Teachers, school counselors, and all school employees
• Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers
• Mental health professionals and social workers
• Licensed professional counselors and psychologists
• Child care workers and foster parents
• Law enforcement officers
• Clergy and religious organization staff
• Attorneys
• Volunteers who regularly work with or supervise children

If you’re a mandatory reporter, you must report your suspicions immediately, either by contacting ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 or through the CWIS portal. Anonymous reporting is not allowed, and you must also follow up with a written report within 48 hours. A mandatory reporter’s failure to report is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania.

What if I am not a mandatory reporter?

Anyone can report suspected child abuse in Pennsylvania. If you aren’t a mandatory reporter, you may call ChildLine anonymously. You won’t be required to give your name, and reports made in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability under Pennsylvania law.

What happens after a report is made?

ChildLine caseworkers are trained to gather information and send reports to the right agency, usually the County Children and Youth offices. When law enforcement involvement is appropriate, ChildLine refers the case directly to local agencies. In 2024, Pennsylvania received over 41,000 reports of suspected child abuse; every one of them was investigated, and over 4,700 were substantiated.

Get Help From a Skilled Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first, then ChildLine. If you have questions about your reporting obligations as a mandatory reporter, or if you are involved in a child abuse or family law matter, the Family Law Team of LLF Law Firm is here to help. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online for an evaluation of your case. We’ve helped numerous Pennsylvania residents facing abuse situations, and we want to help you, too.