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1. Who can make a child abuse referral?

Anyone who has a reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect. In addition, mandated reporters, as defined by Child Protective Service Law, are required to immediately make a report when they have a reasonable cause to suspect that abuse has occurred. The referral information can be obtained through direct contact/observation or a disclosure of abuse.

2. Will my name be revealed if I make a referral?

Those who report abuse or neglect are protected by confidentiality laws within the Child Protective Service Law. When cases of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse are reported to the agency, the agency must report these to law enforcement. Law enforcement officers are also expected to treat the referral source as confidential. In certain instances, referral sources may become witnesses in court proceedings

3. How do I make a referral?

Individuals who suspect child abuse and/or neglect are to contact Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
Mandated reporters are required to immediately make a report if they have reasonable cause to suspect that abuse has occurred. They can make a report by phone (1-800-932-0313) or through electronic submission (www.compas.state.pa.us/cwis). However, if they report via phone, they must then submit an electronic report or a written CY47 (located on www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov) to the agency, within 48 hours. Following submission of the report, mandated reporters are required to immediately thereafter notify the person in charge of their institution, school, facility or agency or the designated agent of the person in charge.

Additional reporting information, mandated reporter trainings, and legal requirements are available at www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov.”

If you are experiencing difficulties reporting suspected abuse and/or neglect through Childline, you can contact WCCB directly at 724-830-3301, Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM. If you are having difficulties reporting to Childline during non-office hours, a report can be made through 911 and an emergency service worker will be contacted.

4. Will I be told what the agency does with my referral?

Childline, the PA Child Abuse Registry, reports the following to mandated reporters: 1) the final status of the child abuse report following the investigation, whether it was indicated, founded or unfounded; 2) any services provided, arranged for or to be provided by the county agency to protect the child.

5. How can I become a foster parent?

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please call the agency at (724)830-3301. The receptionist will relay your interest to the foster care coordinator who, in return, will contact you.

6. When is physical discipline child abuse?

Any reckless, intentional, and knowing act that results in a physical injury, which causes a child substantial pain or impairs a child’s physical functioning, either temporarily or permanently, is considered physical abuse by commission.

7. What are the signs of physical abuse?

Physical abuse may be present when a child has unexplained non-accidental injuries. Common areas for these types of injuries are the face, back, torso, buttocks, and thighs. Repeated abuse may be present if the child has injuries that are in various stages of healing.

8. What are the signs of sexual abuse?

A verbal disclosure by the child is the clearest indication that sexual abuse may have occurred. Behavioral signs include onset of withdrawal, fantasy or infantile behavior, poor peer relationships, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge, and changes in school performance.

9. What is neglect?

Neglect is when a child is not provided with a minimal acceptable level of the basics of life, as the result of an act or failure to act by the parent or caretaker; which was not the result of something out of the control of the parents or caretakers. These essentials include, but are not limited to food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, education as required by law, personal care, proper supervision, and protection from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

10. At what age can children be left unsupervised?

The law does not specify an age at which children may be left alone unsupervised. That decision is left to the discretion of parents and caretakers who must determine if the child is mature enough to be left alone.

11. What is the legal age one must be to be a babysitter?

The law does not specify an age requirement for babysitters. There are many factors to be The law does not specify an age requirement for babysitters. There are many factors to be considered when choosing a babysitter.
What is the maturity level of the babysitter?
How many children will they be watching?
Ages of the children being watched.
How long do the children need to be watched?
Do the children have any special physical, mental or behavioral needs?
Is there a responsible adult available in the event of an emergency?

12. What are my rights as a grandparent?

For assistance in determining your legal rights, call the Westmoreland County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (724)834-8490.

13. How can I get a job with Children and Youth?

All positions within Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau (with the exception of the Agency Director) are Civil Service positions. Hiring is done in accordance with the Civil Service Regulations. You may obtain examination announcements and other information on employment opportunities from your nearest PA Job Center. Civil Service information, procedure, summary of examinations, and individual announcements are also available on the internet.

14. How can I adopt?

If you are interested in adopting a child, are looking for an adoption agency, or have general questions about adoptions or adoption assistance, call the Statewide Adoption Network at their toll free number (800)585-SWAN.