NCJ Number
196537
Date Published
2000
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report attempts to clarify the role of various Pennsylvania laws and regulations regarding suspected child abuse and/or child dependency to better understand and implement the process of State intervention in the family.
Abstract
In this edition of “Child Abuse and the Law,” as well as previous editions, the intent has been to introduce and familiarize the professional and lay reader with Pennsylvania laws and regulations regarding child abuse and neglect. Under several Pennsylvania statutes and codes, when there are reports of suspected child abuse or neglect various policies and procedures are called upon. Acts and regulations that pertain to actions taken for alleged child abuse or child dependency include the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act; the Child Protective Services Law; regulations governing county children and youth agencies; the child protective services regulations; and the Protection from Abuse Act. This manual focused on distinguishing between the Juvenile Act and the Child Protective Services Law. The manual is divided into five parts: (1) an overview of Federal legislation affecting Pennsylvania child welfare practice; (2) a comparison and contrast of the two major Pennsylvania laws that govern child abuse; (3) an overview of the Child Protective Services Law; (4) the content of pertinent State regulations governing county children and youth agencies; and (5) a summary of cases that interpret the Juvenile Act and the Child Protective Services Law. The manual includes appendices covering county children and youth agencies, a definition of dependent child, Protection from Abuse Act, publications addressing “reasonable efforts,” and a sample form CY47-Report of Suspected Child Abuse.