On This Page
- What Is Mandatory Reporting in Pennsylvania?
- Who Are Mandated Reporters in Pennsylvania?
- What Does the Law Require of Mandatory Reporters?
- How Has Pennsylvania Mandatory Reporting Evolved?
- Can You Sue a Pennsylvania Institution That Failed to Report Abuse?
- What Are the Protections for Mandatory Reporters in Pennsylvania?
- How Do You Report Child Abuse in Pennsylvania?
- What Are the Penalties for Failing to Report Child Abuse in Pennsylvania?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Mandatory Reporting
- What Should I Do if I Need Help with a Child Sexual Abuse Case?
Pennsylvania law recognizes the significant dangers posed by child abuse. Therefore, the commonwealth has enacted mandatory reporting laws imposing a legal duty on certain professionals to act when they suspect abuse or neglect. When abuse occurs, survivors and families often face difficult questions about whether mandatory reporters met this duty.
Under Pennsylvania law, mandated reporters must report suspected child abuse directly to ChildLine, the state’s centralized reporting system. This obligation is immediate and cannot be satisfied by reporting only within an institution, such as to a supervisor, school administrator, or hospital leadership.
When mandatory reporters fail to report abuse or institutions fail to respond appropriately, Andreozzi + Foote helps survivors and families understand their legal options and pursue accountability where possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Mandatory Reporting in Pennsylvania?
Mandatory reporting is the legal requirement for certain adults to report suspected child abuse to Pennsylvania’s ChildLine, a 24/7 phone service set up to receive reports of child abuse. This obligation arises under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6311 and applies to many professionals and volunteers who work closely with children.
A mandated reporter does not need certainty or physical proof before contacting ChildLine. Instead, the law requires a report when the person has “reasonable cause to suspect” abuse. Thus, a mandated reporter must report when what they have seen, heard, or been told has caused them to reasonably suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect. The responsibility is to report concerns, not investigate or confirm them.
The process begins with an immediate oral report to ChildLine. The reporter must submit a written report, either electronically or on paper, within 48 hours.
Who Are Mandated Reporters in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania significantly expanded its list of mandated reporters in 2014 through Act 31, part of a broader set of child protection reforms passed after the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal at Penn State. Today, mandated reporters include:
- Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, EMS workers, hospital staff, coroners, and medical examiners
- School and child care workers: Teachers, administrators, after-school staff, camp employees, youth coaches, and library staff
- Clergy and spiritual leaders: Members of established religious organizations who interact with children through worship services, counseling, or religious education
- Law enforcement and social services personnel: Police officers, peace officers, the Pennsylvania Attorney General, district attorneys, foster parents, and social service employees
- Adults in youth programs and volunteer groups: Volunteers and staff in scouting groups, sports leagues, and youth organizations
Even adults who are not mandated reporters — including parents, relatives, and neighbors — can and should contact ChildLine if they suspect child abuse or neglect.
What Does the Law Require of Mandatory Reporters?
Pennsylvania expects anyone identified as a mandatory reporter to take their role seriously and report any suspected abuse immediately. More than 75% of the calls received by ChildLine are from mandatory reporters, and often, they’re the only ones reporting the suspected abuse. Thus, a child will likely go unprotected if the mandatory reporter doesn’t call the hotline and file the required paperwork.
It’s a big responsibility, and professionals may have understandable concerns about falsely reporting abuse. However, the law is clear: If a mandatory reporter suspects abuse, they must report it—even if they have no proof. County and state agencies can then investigate and determine if abuse has occurred and take steps if it has.
How Has Pennsylvania Mandatory Reporting Evolved?
Pennsylvania overhauled its mandatory reporting laws in the wake of the conviction of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky for child sexual abuse. The case led to widespread scrutiny of whether institutions and adults failed to act when concerns about abuse surfaced.
In response, lawmakers passed a series of reforms that broadened the list of mandated reporters, strengthened reporting requirements, increased penalties for failing to report, and clarified when adults must contact ChildLine.
Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting framework continues to evolve as new forms of child exploitation emerge. For example, pending legislation—Senate Bill 1050 and House Bill 2474—would expand reporting obligations to include AI-generated and deepfake intimate images involving children. The proposed bills reflect a growing focus on online abuse, digital exploitation, and technology-driven harms affecting minors.
Can You Sue a Pennsylvania Institution That Failed to Report Abuse?
Yes, a Pennsylvania institution may be sued if it has failed to report child abuse.
While 23 Pa.C.S. § 6319 provides for criminal penalties against mandated reporters who fail to report suspected abuse, those penalties aim to punish individuals and do not compensate survivors. A civil lawsuit, however, can seek accountability for institutional negligence and compensation to support a survivor’s healing.
The filing deadlines for civil lawsuits are separate from criminal statutes of limitations and can vary based on factors such as when the abuse occurred. These rules can feel overwhelming, so we are here to help you make sense of them. Our team can review your situation, explain your options, and determine the applicable deadlines. Our firm is dedicated to helping survivors pursue accountability from institutions that failed to keep children safe.
What Are the Protections for Mandatory Reporters in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, mandatory reporters are protected by law when they make a report in good faith. Therefore, as long as you genuinely believe that a child is being sexually abused or assaulted, you cannot be sued for defamation or false accusations stemming from a report. This protection is crucial, as it encourages individuals to come forward without fear of legal repercussions.
Consider this scenario: suppose you’re a teacher and notice that one of your students has been acting withdrawn and anxious. They’ve also been coming to school with unexplained bruises. You report your concerns, but it turns out there was another explanation for the child’s behavior and injuries. Thus, even though your suspicions were incorrect, you would still be protected by law because you reported suspected abuse in good faith.
How Do You Report Child Abuse in Pennsylvania?
If you are a mandated reporter in Pennsylvania and you suspect child abuse or sexual assault, you are required to act immediately. The law does not require certainty or proof—only a reasonable suspicion that abuse may be occurring.
Reporting involves two required steps:
- ChildLine: You must call the statewide, 24/7 child abuse reporting hotline at 1-800-932-0313.
- Child Welfare Information Solution, or CWIS: You must then submit an electronic child abuse report to the state’s online reporting system.
The oral report must be made directly to ChildLine, not to a supervisor, principal, hospital administrator, or HR department. Internal notification does not satisfy state law. Only a direct report to ChildLine fulfills your legal obligation. Institutions such as schools and hospitals cannot interfere with, delay, or prevent you from reporting.
Once the oral report is complete, you must submit a written report electronically through CWIS within 48 hours.
What Are the Penalties for Failing to Report Child Abuse in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, failing to report suspected child abuse can lead to serious consequences for mandated reporters. A mandated reporter who knowingly fails to make a required report may face criminal charges that range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances.
A first violation of willfully failing to report as required is a third-degree misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation is a second-degree misdemeanor.
A mandated reporter may face felony charges if the unreported abuse itself is a first-degree felony or higher, if the mandated reporter had direct knowledge of the abuse and still failed to report it, or if they have repeatedly failed to report suspected abuse.
These offenses can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Mandatory Reporting
Can I Remain Anonymous When Reporting Suspected Abuse?
In Pennsylvania, you can choose to remain anonymous when reporting suspected sexual abuse or assault. However, as a mandatory reporter, it’s important to provide as much information as possible to aid the investigation. While your identity can be kept confidential, having your contact information can be helpful if further information is needed.
What Is the Difference Between ChildLine and Child Protective Services?
ChildLine is Pennsylvania’s 24/7 hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Meanwhile, the commonwealth’s Child Protective Services laws establish the system for investigating reports and providing services or protections a child may need.
What Happens After a ChildLine Report Is Filed?
After a ChildLine report is filed, it is sent to the appropriate county Children and Youth agency for evaluation. The agency will investigate, and if the allegations of child abuse or neglect are verified, it will arrange services for the child.
Can I Sue a Pennsylvania Institution That Ignored Abuse?
Yes. You can sue a Pennsylvania institution if it ignored abuse or failed to act on known concerns, and that failure contributed to continued harm. Schools, religious organizations, hospitals, and youth programs may face liability if they fail to properly respond to reports or warning signs.
What Should I Do if I Need Help with a Child Sexual Abuse Case?
Contact Andreozzi + Foote online or call (866) 311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation. We understand how traumatic it can be to learn that your child has been the victim of sexual abuse. Our team of experienced, knowledgeable sexual abuse attorneys can help you determine if a professional required to report abuse was derelict in their duties and what action you can take.