House Bill 434, which changes the mandatory reporting requirements for school employees by requiring that these individuals report suspected abuse against students directly to Department of Public Welfare’s (DPW) ChildLine, instead of to their superiors, is now before the Governor and awaits his signature, says State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129).
This bill also expands background checks and other security requirements to school employees and to any other volunteer working directly with children, including student teachers. Additionally, the legislation increases the penalties for refusing to cooperate with a child abuse investigation.
Anyone can anonymously report suspected child abuse by using the DPW ChildLine phone number: 1-800-932-0313.
Pa Child Abuse Bill Awaits Gov Signature