Be their voice.

If a child discloses to you, or if you suspect or have reason to believe a child is being abused or victimized contact the appropriate authorities.

• Call 911 if you suspect a child is in immediate danger.
• Call PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313
• Make an electronic report to ChildLine at: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

Mandated Reporters:

Mandated reporters are certain adults who are legally required to report suspected child abuse if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse.

The law requires that the mandated reporter identify themselves and where they can be reached. In addition to having documentation that the report was made, this information is also helpful so that if clarification on the situation or additional information is needed, the children and youth caseworker can contact the mandated reporter.

What information do I need to report child abuse?

When making a report of suspected child abuse or general child well-being concerns, it is important to provide as much information as possible.

This list gives you an idea of what information you’ll be asked to provide:

• Name and physical description of the child
• Age or approximate age range of the child
• Name, home address, and telephone number of legal guardian or parent of the child
• Name or physical description of suspected child abuse perpetrator
• Home address and telephone number of suspected child abuse perpetrator
• Suspected perpetrator’s relationship to the child
• Description of the suspected injury to the child
• Where the incident took place
• Any concern for the child’s immediate safety
• Your relationship to the child
• Your contact information, although you may report anonymously if you are a permissive reporter

Suspected abuse is not required to be proven.

Please, report your suspicions to the proper authorities. Do not attempt to conduct your own investigation. It’s the role of the Office of Children and Youth as well as local law enforcement officials to investigate any suspicions of abuse.