There are few things in life that are more distressing than a mistake or a misunderstanding leading to serious negative consequences. Take, for example, what can happen to an Adams County resident if they are referred to Pennsylvania's ChildLine system because someone has misinterpreted a situation in ways that lead them to suspect that adult of neglecting a child or otherwise engaging in child abuse. The impacts of this kind of reporting can be swift, devastating, and long-lasting.
When an adult is reported to the ChildLine system due to such allegations, the process is commonly referred to as being "ChildLined." An adult who has been ChildLined will not be named in the system's database right away. Their circumstances must be investigated first. However, if their name is eventually added to the statewide database, their employment opportunities, child custody arrangements, and even their ability to volunteer in certain capacities may be compromised. Additionally, their relationships, well-being, and general standing in the world may be affected by the social stigma associated with being a suspected child abuser.
For all of these reasons and more, if you have been accused of neglecting or abusing a child, it is important to treat your situation with seriousness and great care. To start, connect with reputable attorneys at the LLF Law Firm. Our respected team approaches cases like yours in client-focused ways, informed by our years of experience helping Pennsylvania residents navigate ChildLine referrals and related investigations. Call us at 888-535-3686 today, or submit a confidential online consultation form to alert us to your situation. Once we've discussed the details with you, we can begin crafting the strongest possible defensive strategy on your behalf.
What Is Pennsylvania's ChildLine System?
ChildLine is a state-run system unique to the state of Pennsylvania. Many other states have similar systems, but ChildLine is unique to the Commonwealth. The state's Department of Human Services runs its 24-hour hotline, its database, and its electronic reporting options. However, individual counties handle the investigations initiated when someone is reported to the system. Reports of suspected neglect and/or child abuse can be called into the hotline by both mandatory reporters and members of the broader public.
If an investigation at the county level and/or within the criminal justice system ends unfavorably for someone who has been reported to ChildLine, that individual's name will be entered into the ChildLine database. This occurs when the allegations leading to an investigation are ultimately classified as "indicated" or "founded." Names listed in the registry aren't broadly searchable by the public, but certain employers are permitted to search this database.
Adults who are being investigated by county officials due to ChildLine referrals are entitled to notice of this turn of events. But mistakes sometimes occur. Therefore, someone could possibly be listed on the ChildLine registry without their knowledge. Once someone's name is entered into this database, it is very difficult to get it taken off.
What's a ChildLine Referral?
When a hotline call or an electronic report of suspected child abuse is made and received by the ChildLine program, the state then refers the case in question to a county's Child, Youth, and Family Services department. A county may be assigned to a case based on where the alleged abuse occurred or where the affected child resides. This transfer of a report from the state to a county generally happens within 24 hours. Each county approaches the processing and investigation of Childline referrals differently, so it's important for individuals to understand how their particular referral is going to progress in the county that has jurisdiction over their case.
It is possible that county workers will determine that the allegation in question doesn't meet the state's definition of child abuse and close a matter without opening an investigation. But, if an investigation is initiated, it should be resolved within 60 days, under most circumstances. Law enforcement officers may also opt to investigate the alleged circumstances. As may professional licensing boards if the adult who is under investigation holds a professional license. The consequences of each kind of investigation may be distinct. Know that the skilled attorneys at the LLF Law Firm can advocate on behalf of your rights and interests as your case evolves in any of these particular ways.
ChildLine Referrals in Adams County
In Adams County, the Children & Youth Services Office (CYS) is empowered to investigate circumstances involving suspicions of child neglect and other forms of child abuse. If CYS determines that a situation in which child neglect or abuse has occurred, the adult who allegedly mistreated a minor may be referred for follow-up services that the county provides. CYS will also alert ChildLine of its findings so that the name of the adult in question can be added to the ChildLine registry.
Who Makes ChildLine Reports?
Technically, anyone can make a report to ChildLine. Reporters are divided into two classifications. Mandatory reporters consist of adults who are required by law – either due to their profession or their position of influence – to inform the state of situations that cause them to suspect that child abuse or neglect has either taken place or is taking place. These individuals must generally submit their names when they report their concerns to the state. By contrast, anyone who is not a mandatory reporter can submit their suspicions anonymously and voluntarily. Non-mandatory reporting is commonly referred to as permissive reporting.
Pennsylvania requires certain adults to act as mandated reporters. This is a common practice across the U.S. and is, therefore, not unique to Pennsylvania's ChildLine program. If someone who is legally required to report their suspicions of abuse or neglect fails to do so, they can be charged with criminal misconduct. If they are employed in certain positions, they can also be subjected to professional licensing issues if they don't file required reports. Therefore, many Pennsylvania social workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and social workers are under a great deal of pressure to report suspicious activity, even if they don't know the context of a child's injuries or other concerning circumstances.
While mandatory reporters face a great deal of pressure to communicate their concerns to the state at the risk of their personal well-being, voluntary reporters – who can communicate anonymously – may opt to submit reports maliciously in order to target someone without incurring any consequences of their own.
When some parties feel obligated to report information – even if it may be incomplete or misunderstanding – and others are given an opportunity to get someone else (perhaps an ex with whom they are embroiled in a custody battle) "in a jam," adults are too-often referred to the ChildLine system for situations that don't actually involve child abuse. Innocent people can be devastated by this imperfect system. As such, if you've been referred to the ChildLine system, don't be so embarrassed by the accusations that you're facing that you failed to reach out for the help that you both need and deserve. The compassionate attorneys at the LLF Law Firm understand the limitations of this system, and we're here to help and treat you with respect and consideration as we build and execute your defense strategy.
What Happens if a ChildLine Investigation Results in a Finding of Child Abuse?
When you are named as a subject of a ChildLine-related investigation, you are supposed to be notified of that turn of events, as well as the outcome of the investigation. The classification that the county assigns to your situation will determine whether your name will be added to Pennsylvania's ChildLine registry or not. A ChildLine-related abuse investigation can conclude with any of three classifications: Unfounded, indicated, or founded.
The allegations against you will be categorized as "unfounded" if CYS doesn't find any credible evidence of child abuse against you. If your investigation ends in this way, your name will not be entered into the ChildLine registry. If, however, CYS does find substantial evidence of child abuse, your investigation results will be categorized as "indicated." As a result, your name will be entered into the ChildLine registry.
Your name can also be listed in the ChildLine registry under the founded classification if a judicial finding of fact, like a criminal trial, indicates that the allegations against you are grounded in reality. As such, it's possible that your ChildLine investigation could initially be categorized as unfounded or indicated, only to be reclassified as founded after the conclusion of a criminal defense process.
Right now, if you've been accused of child abuse or neglect, there is no guarantee as to how your situation will resolve. As your current circumstances could culminate in lifelong consequences, it's important to connect with the LLF Law Firm's dedicated Criminal Defense Team so that we can approach your situation as proactively as possible and with the seriousness of purpose that defending your rights and interests demands.
What Are Your Rights if You've Been Referred to ChildLine?
When individuals are accused of child abuse by law enforcement officials and tried in criminal court by prosecutors, they benefit from specific due process rights. Those investigated at the county level due to ChildLine referrals don't benefit from these kinds of rights. However, adults who are being investigated due to ChildLine referrals are entitled to retain counsel and to have their lawyer(s) present at all related interviews and meetings. They are also entitled to notice that a report or multiple reports of suspected child abuse have been filed against them, notice of the status of those reports as their case evolves, and notice of how their situation is being resolved once report evaluations and/or investigations have concluded.
If you are being investigated by the county due to a ChildLine referral, you will be empowered by additional rights if the allegations against you are ultimately classified as unfounded or founded. These additional rights include:
- The right to seek an amendment or expungement of the county's decision
- The right to be informed that your name, an accounting of the allegations in question, and the classification status of the county's assessment of your situation will be recorded in the ChildLine system
- The right to file an appeal in no more than 90 days
If your name is eventually listed in the ChildLine system and you choose to appeal that decision, you will also have the right to a hearing on the merits of your case. The county will then bear the burden of proof to substantiate the allegations in question with substantial evidence.
Adams County ChildLine Referrals Attorney
If ChildLine has been alerted to allegations against you and your circumstances have been referred to CYS in Adams County for assessment and possible investigation, it's time to seek legal counsel. This is not a time to take chances with a "DIY" approach to defending your rights and interests. By connecting with the respected attorneys at the LLF Law Firm, you can better ensure that you're doing everything you can to protect your reputation, employment opportunities, favorable child custody terms, and every other aspect of your future that is now at stake.
The LLF Law Firm Can Help if You've Been Referred to ChildLine in Adams County
If child abuse allegations against you have been reported to ChildLine, you need to remain calm. Otherwise, your intense emotions about your circumstances could inspire you to make missteps that could compromise the strength of your defense. Instead of panicking, take a moment to contact the LLF Law Firm so that you can alert our team to your need for assistance and personalized legal guidance. Once we know what you're facing, we can help you to move forward as effectively as possible in pursuit of a favorable outcome.
The Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm benefits from decades of experience helping clients in Adams County and all over Pennsylvania to successfully manage ChildLine investigations and allegations of abuse and neglect. While we never rest on our laurels, our track record speaks for itself. Contact the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit a confidential online consultation form today to learn more about our practice and how we can help you. We look forward to working with you.
