ChildLine is a Pennsylvania system whose theoretical function is certainly admirable: protecting children who've been the victims of abuse or neglect.
However, when people in Susquehanna County report suspected abuse or neglect through the ChildLine system, their suspicions may not always be accurate. Unfortunately, being the subject of a ChildLine referral—known by some as being "ChildLined"—can have profound implications for a parent or guardian's future.
You need legal protection if someone has used the ChildLine system to accuse you of mistreating a child in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. At the LLF Law Firm, the experienced attorneys of our Criminal Defense Team can help you navigate this otherwise intimidating situation. Get started by calling our offices at 888-535-3686 or submitting our online contact form today.
What Is Pennsylvania's ChildLine System?
ChildLine is a statewide program designed to ensure the safety and welfare of children in Pennsylvania. Through the ChildLine system, Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services (DHS), overseen by the Office of Children and Families (OCF), collects reports from individuals who suspect child abuse or neglect is occurring.
The 24-hour number for ChildLine is 1-800-932-0313. Concerned citizens who qualify as "mandated reporters" can also submit reports online. ChildLine allows citizens to make reports anonymously if they aren't mandated reporters.
The potential consequences of a ChildLine report can depend on the outcome of an investigation. If a ChildLine investigation suggests a report is "indicated" or "founded," that means investigators have concluded there is a reasonable chance that abuse or neglect has happened.
The ChildLine system offers a registry listing the names of individuals whose reports are determined to be indicated or founded. Technically, the general public can't access the registry, but employers and other such parties may be able to. Thus, a ChildLine report could significantly impact one's career in the future.
Limiting your employment prospects is just one way a ChildLine report could interfere with your life. A ChildLine report may also affect any current or future custody arrangements. If you wish to volunteer, a ChildLine report may even prevent you from volunteering for certain organizations.
This isn't meant to frighten you. It's meant to highlight the seriousness of a ChildLine report. If someone has made a ChildLine report against you in Susquehanna County, get in touch with our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm to get started on your case.
What Is a ChildLine Referral?
When someone calls ChildLine to report suspected abuse or neglect, ChildLine receives the basic information about the case before referring it to the relevant department or agency in the county where the suspected abuse or neglect is allegedly happening. ChildLine will usually make such a referral within 24 hours of receiving a report.
Not all ChildLine reports lead to the discovery of genuine abuse or neglect. In fact, in the first three quarters of 2023, more than half of the ChildLine reports DHS received in Philadelphia were screened out. This means a basic look into these reports indicated they were made erroneously.
False reports can occur for a number of potential reasons. Sometimes, people make false reports because they're genuinely mistaken. They have real concerns; they just don't know their concerns aren't rooted in reality.
Others may abuse the Childline system to enact personal vendettas. For example, an ex may make a ChildLine report against you to unfairly influence child custody proceedings. Or, someone jealous of you for any potential reason might try to complicate your life by calling ChildLine on you. They may know that the anonymous nature of the system protects them from consequences.
The screening process should help identify reports that don't justify further investigation or action. However, someone accused of child abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania should never assume the matter will resolve itself.
Even if you feel confident you're not guilty of any wrongdoing, protecting yourself is vital at this time. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is available to ensure you have the legal assistance you may need when someone makes a ChildLine report against you in the Commonwealth.
ChildLine Referrals in Susquehanna County
The Department of Children and Youth Services handles ChildLine referrals in Susquehanna County. Along with calling ChildLine to report suspected abuse or neglect, someone who wishes to contact the department directly may do so by calling 570-278-4600, Ext. 5920.
Although the process can sometimes vary based on the specific details of a case, generally, when the department receives a ChildLine referral, the following will occur:
- County officials will review the basics to determine whether an investigation is necessary. Sometimes, they determine there's no need to go forward with an investigation. For example, county officials may determine that, based on the nature of the allegations, the behavior someone is being accused of doesn't constitute abuse or neglect. Again, it can't be stressed enough: You should never assume that a report won't lead to future consequences. Start planning to contact legal professionals as soon as you discover someone has filed a report against you, even if you don't think anything will come of it.
- If county officials determine an investigation is necessary, they will usually have 30 days to complete it. During this time, investigators may speak to anyone who could have relevant knowledge of the case. In other words, if someone makes a ChildLine report against you, investigators may discuss the matter with your spouse, partner, children, exes, and even your coworkers. Often, a ChildLine investigation can also be extended to 60 days. Investigators may need to submit documentation showing why an investigation couldn't be concluded in 30 days if they wish to extend the deadline.
- Investigators may contact state licensing agencies and boards. Doing so might be necessary if the subject of a ChildLine investigation is a licensed professional of some kind. Thus, even before an investigation ends, a licensed professional may face disciplinary action, license suspension, or similar outcomes.
In some cases, investigators have reason to believe children are in immediate danger. They may take steps to remove children from said danger in these circumstances.
A ChildLine investigation isn't a criminal investigation. Nevertheless, a ChildLine report could lead to a criminal case. If investigators find reasonable evidence of criminal activity, they may share their findings with local law enforcement.
This is another reason to enlist legal help shortly after learning someone has reported you to ChildLine. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team, as our name implies, can also offer assistance if yours turns into a criminal matter.
Who Can Make a ChildLine Report?
Anyone can file a report with ChildLine. People who make such reports voluntarily can do so anonymously and are known as "permissive reporters."
Some individuals in Pennsylvania qualify as "mandated reporters." By law, such individuals must contact ChildLine when they suspect child abuse or neglect is happening.
Mandated Reporters in Susquehanna County
Mandated reporters are usually individuals whose work or lifestyles put them in contact with children on a regular basis. The following are just a few common examples of mandated reporters:
- Teachers and other school workers
- Counselors
- Doctors and other healthcare workers
- Religious leaders and officials
- Daycare workers
- Coaches
- Any independent contractors whose work may put them in contact with or around children
- Medical examiners
- Coroners/funeral directors
That's not an exhaustive list. Be aware that a mandated reporter who fails to make a ChildLine report despite having knowledge of potential abuse or neglect could face criminal penalties.
Knowing this, someone may be inclined to make a ChildLine report even if their suspicions are relatively weak. They might not have much evidence to prove neglect or abuse is occurring, but if they have even a vague suspicion, they might decide they have to file a report to avoid legal consequences.
As a result, mandated reporters can make errors. Just remember that an erroneous report can still make it through the screening process for several reasons. Instead of assuming a report will go away, contact the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm shortly after learning someone has filed a ChildLine report against you.
It's worth noting that, unlike permissive reporters, mandated reporters can't file ChildLine reports anonymously. They must provide their names and identifying information when making reports.
That said, ChildLine usually keeps the information of mandated reporters confidential. ChildLine only collects this information because mandated reporters may face consequences if they abuse the ChildLine system to make false reports maliciously.
What Happens When a ChildLine Referral Results in a Finding of Child Abuse?
Investigators classify ChildLine reports into three categories when they finish their investigations. The category investigators assign to your report can have major impacts on various areas of your life.
Upon concluding their investigation, those looking into a ChildLine report may classify it as one of the following:
- Unfounded: If a report is unfounded, it means that investigators could not find evidence of abuse or neglect. The subject of a report and investigation should not expect their name to go on the county registry when a report is deemed unfounded.
- Founded: A report is sometimes classified as founded when a judicial adjudication of some kind (such as a guilty verdict in a trial) indicates that abuse has occurred. The name of someone whose report qualifies as founded will be added to the state ChildLine registry.
- Indicated: Investigators may find substantial evidence of child abuse or neglect after looking into the case. They will classify a report as indicated accordingly. Again, the person being investigated will have their name added to the ChildLine registry.
It's not always easy to understand the exact nature of the county's decision when investigators determine how to classify a report. The Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities after investigators finish looking into your case. More importantly, we can protect your rights throughout all stages of an investigation.
What Are Your Rights if You've Been Referred to ChildLine?
You have certain rights when you're the subject of a ChildLine investigation. Specifically, you must receive notification of the following:
- The report's existence
- Your right to hire an attorney and to have them present with you during any and all interviews with county investigators
- After the county makes a decision, your right to strive to have your ChildLine listing amended or expunged
Upon conclusion of an investigation, you must also receive notification of the following:
- The results of the investigation
- The status of the report
- Again, your right to have the report expunged or amended so that your name is removed from the ChildLine registry
- A general assessment of the way a report may impact future employment opportunities
- Your name, a description of the alleged abuse/neglect, and the status of your report being added to the ChildLine registry
- Your right to appeal the county's decision within 90 days
- Your right to a hearing in which the county must present substantial evidence to prove its case against you
Don't assume all hope is lost if the county classifies your report as founded or indicated. You can appeal the decision, or you can seek to have your name removed from the ChildLine registry. The experienced attorneys with our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm can help you better understand your potential options based on the outcome of your case.
How the LLF Law Firm Can Help You if You've Been Referred to ChildLine in Susquehanna County
A ChildLine investigation isn't a pleasant experience. During the investigation, intrusions into your privacy and personal life may be routine. As the process moves forward, you may also have to worry about the consequences you could face if investigators determine they have sufficient evidence to classify your report as founded or indicated.
The experience is much easier when you have proper legal representation. Qualified lawyers can answer your questions and ensure that someone is protecting your rights every step of the way.
The fact that a ChildLine referral can derail your future doesn't mean it has to. At the LLF Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team can help you guard against an unfair outcome. Learn more by contacting us through our online form or by calling us at 888-535-3686.
