In a situation of suspected child abuse, all members of the University administration, faculty, coaches, staff, student workers, independent contractors and volunteers are mandated reporters as per University policy. Everyone who is deemed a mandated reporter shall be trained as if designated a mandated reporter by Pennsylvania law.
All mandated reporters shall make an immediate report of suspected child abuse, or cause a report to be made if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a minor is a victim of child abuse under any of the following circumstances:
The minor is not required to come before the mandated reporter in order for the mandated reporter to make a report of suspected child abuse. The mandated reporter does not need to determine the identity of the alleged abuser to make a report of suspected child abuse.
Mandated reporters must immediately make an oral report of suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services (DHS) by calling 1-800-932-0313, or a make a written report to DHS by filling out the Report of Suspected Child Abuse Form. If an oral report is made, a written report shall also be made within 48 hours to DHS or the county agency assigned to the case as prescribed by DHS.
Report suspected child abuse online
In case of an emergency dial 911 or call your local police and then contact the Child Abuse Hotline, ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. This toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with caseworkers waiting to assist you.
All employees, volunteers, and program administrators must provide written notice to the designated person in charge at the University if they or an authorized adult or program staff are: (1) arrested for, or convicted of, an offense that would constitute grounds for denial of employment or participation in a program, activity, or service; or (2) are named as a perpetrator in a founded or indicated report under the Child Protective Services Law (23 Pa.C.S. §6301, et seq.). The employee, volunteer, or program administrator shall provide such written notice within 72 hours of arrest, conviction, or notification that the person has been listed as a perpetrator in the statewide database. The failure of an employee or program administrator to make a written notification, as required, is a misdemeanor of the third degree.
If the employer or program administrator has a reasonable belief that an employee
or volunteer has been arrested or convicted of a reportable offense or was named as
perpetrator in a founded or indicated report under the Child Protective Services Law,
or if an employee or volunteer has provided notice of activity that would be sufficient
to deny employment or program participation, the employer must immediately require
the employee or volunteer to immediately submit current information for required criminal
background screening clearances in accordance with applicable procedures, standards
and guidelines as established by the chancellor.
