HOW TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE

ChildLine provides information, counseling, and referral services for families and children to ensure the safety and well-being of the children of Pennsylvania. The toll-free intake line is available 24 hours/7 days a week to receive reports of suspected child abuse.

Professionals who come into contact with children (i.e., mandated reporters) are required to report when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the care, supervision, guidance or training of that person or of their agency, institution or organization is an abused child. However, any person may report suspected abuse.

All mandated reporters must submit their name and contact information when making a report. Other members of the community who report can choose to remain anonymous.

Each call is answered by a trained intake specialist who interviews the caller to determine the most appropriate course of action. Actions include forwarding a report to a county agency for investigation as child abuse or general protective services, forwarding a report directly to law enforcement officials, or referring the caller to local social services.