Sunday School Volunteer Accused of Inappropriate Discipline of a Student: What Are the Charges in PA?

For churches and other nonprofit organizations, volunteers are crucial. They provide support and services that enable these organizations to function.

For churches and other religious organizations, volunteers who help with child care and children’s ministries, such as Sunday school, are an important part of their communities. These volunteers deal with any number of issues, from dirty diapers to tantrums.

Volunteers who work with children are sometimes put in situations requiring them to intervene, discipline, or set boundaries. The line between reasonable intervention and inappropriate discipline isn’t always clear-cut. Disagreements can lead to accusations.

If you’re facing charges of inappropriate discipline related to a volunteer role, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. We assist individuals throughout Pennsylvania. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form to protect your future.

What is Appropriate Discipline?

You aren’t a childcare professional. Unlike a teacher, for example, accusations of misconduct don’t risk your career or your teaching license. But these charges can affect your reputation and your social network.

The first thing to know is that an accusation isn’t fact. An accusation is the start of a legal process, not its conclusion. Your focus now should be on understanding what the prosecution has to prove and building the strongest possible response to it.

What is ChildLine?

Pennsylvania allows anyone to report suspected child abuse or neglect via its ChildLine program. The goal of this program is to protect children and make it easy for people to flag dangerous and unsafe situations.

In making it easy to report suspicions, however, Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to report incorrect information. Even the most well-meaning individual may report something that doesn’t actually meet the legal definition of abuse.

Of the almost 40,000 reports Pennsylvania received in 2025, for example, less than 12 percent were substantiated. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be proactive in defending against allegations. Don’t assume that a state investigation will turn up all relevant information that will exonerate you.

The LLF Team can advocate for you throughout the process and with any number of charges. We can also assist with building a case with the best-possible evidence.

What is Child Abuse?

Abuse and neglect refer to causing or intending to cause harm to a child. This harm can be mental, physical, or emotional. It can include corporal punishment or hitting a child. In other cases, an adult may never raise a hand against a child but lock them in a closet or bully them.

Knowing the specific details of the allegations against you matters because child abuse and neglect cover a wide range of actions. The specifics of your situation determine the best way to build a defense.

What is Simple Assault?

In Pennsylvania, attempting to cause bodily injury to another is enough to be charged with simple assault. Even threatening to cause bodily injury may result in accusations that you committed a crime.

Similar to other child abuse allegations, you need to be active in defending against the charges.

Protect Your Reputation

You volunteered to help and be part of a community. Now you’re facing criminal charges.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is here to assist you. We can help you gather evidence and build a defense. If you’ve been accused of a crime in Pennsylvania, call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.