Pennsylvanians who suspect child abuse or neglect may be occurring can report their concerns by calling the ChildLine system. Although this system was established to protect children, historically, it has also resulted in many Pennsylvanians being unexpectedly "ChildLined."
Someone who is the subject of a ChildLine report may become the focus of an investigation during which they endure scrutiny due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Depending on the outcome of an investigation, someone who's been reported to ChildLine may have their name added to the statewide ChildLine registry.
Having your name added to the ChildLine registry can limit your future in many ways. On top of that, a ChildLine investigation could eventually lead to criminal charges.
Our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm thoroughly understands the unique process of a ChildLine investigation. That's the type of experience you need on your side right now. Learn more about what we can do for you by submitting your information through our online form or calling our offices at 888-535-3686 today.
Don't gamble with your future. If someone has filed a ChildLine report against you in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, protect yourself by hiring defense lawyers qualified to handle your case.
What Is Pennsylvania's ChildLine System?
ChildLine is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week hotline Pennsylvanians can call to report suspected child abuse or neglect. ChildLine is a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services program.
Pennsylvania maintains a statewide ChildLine registry listing information about ChildLine reports that, upon investigation, were found to likely be valid. If someone files a ChildLine report against you, your name and a description of the alleged abuse or neglect may end up in the ChildLine registry.
The general public can't access the registry. However, some potential employers may be able to do so. Thus, a ChildLine report could have significant implications for your professional future. A listing in the ChildLine registry may prevent you from working certain jobs or participating in certain volunteer opportunities.
Removing your name from the ChildLine registry is technically possible in some circumstances. That said, it can be very difficult. Protect yourself by enlisting professional legal assistance as soon as you discover someone has reported you to ChildLine.
What Is a ChildLine Referral?
Upon receiving a ChildLine report, ChildLine workers will refer the matter to the appropriate department in the county where the alleged abuse or neglect is primarily thought to be occurring. They will usually do so within 24 hours of receiving a report.
County workers may evaluate a report before deciding whether to move forward. If a report seems worthy of investigation, county investigators typically have 60 days to look into the matter. During an investigation, they may interview the subject of the report, their children, their family members, and even their friends and coworkers.
Being the subject of a ChildLine investigation can be a stressful experience. It's vital to protect your rights throughout the process. At the LLF Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team is available to ensure you have an advocate while county workers investigate your case.
Wyoming County ChildLine Referrals
The department responsible for handling ChildLine referrals and investigations in Wyoming County is Wyoming County Children & Youth Services, a division of Wyoming County Human Services. Along with calling ChildLine, someone wishing to report suspected child abuse and neglect in Wyoming County may call the department directly at (570) 836-3131.
Who Can Make a ChildLine Report in Pennsylvania?
Anyone can make a ChildLine report in Pennsylvania. Many have the option of remaining anonymous when doing so.
"Permissive" reporters consist of those who have the right to make ChildLine reports. However, the law actually requires some individuals to report suspected child abuse or neglect when they believe either may be occurring. These are referred to as "mandated reporters."
Mandated Reporters
Mandated reporters are generally individuals who may be more likely than others to pick up on the warning signs of child abuse or neglect. Often, these are individuals whose jobs involve working with or around children.
Along with being required to contact ChildLine when they suspect abuse or neglect may be happening, mandated reporters must also identify themselves when filing reports. In addition, unlike permissive reporters, mandated reporters can file ChildLine reports electronically.
The state usually keeps the identities and contact information of mandated reporters confidential. The law also tends to protect them from civil liability if they make reports in good faith. However, a mandated reporter may be the target of legal action if they knowingly make a false report with malicious intent.
The following are common examples of mandated reporters in Pennsylvania:
- Teachers
- School workers
- Daycare workers
- Doctors
- Religious figures
- Coaches
- Nurses
That's not an exhaustive list. Be aware that mandated reporters can face legal penalties if it's discovered they failed to report suspected child abuse or neglect despite having reason to believe either was happening.
The intention behind legally requiring mandated reporters to contact ChildLine when they suspect abuse or neglect may be occurring could be legitimately positive. That said, it's worth considering how such a legal requirement may result in some mandated reporters contacting ChildLine over minor issues that don't genuinely indicate a child is being abused. A mandated reporter might err on the side of caution and file a report just to be on the safe side whenever they have the slightest reason to believe someone is mistreating a child.
This is one of many ways false ChildLine reports and referrals can happen. If someone has falsely reported you to the ChildLine system, don't assume the matter will resolve itself naturally. Protect yourself and your future by contacting our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm.
False ChildLine Reports Do Happen
False ChildLine reports aren't as uncommon as some may assume. For example, in 2022, Philadelphia's Department of Human Services screened out more than half of all child abuse and neglect reports it received. That means, upon evaluating such reports, workers determined they didn't stand up to basic scrutiny and thus didn't justify further investigation.
There are many reasons people may make false reports to ChildLine. In some instances, they might truly believe there's a chance that neglect or abuse is happening. Again, this might be particularly common among mandated reporters, who have to worry about potential legal consequences if they don't report their concerns.
However, because permissive reporters can contact ChildLine anonymously, the system is vulnerable to abuse. For example, perhaps you're involved in a child custody dispute with an ex. They could anonymously report you to ChildLine as a means of complicating the dispute for you.
That's just one example. The main point to understand is that someone who never suspected they'd be accused of child abuse or neglect may nevertheless find themselves the subject of a ChildLine investigation for numerous potential reasons. If this ever happens to you, hiring the right attorneys can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Potential Outcomes of a ChildLine Referral and Investigation
Investigators will assign a ChildLine case to a particular category after completing their investigation. The potential categories to which your case may be assigned are:
- Unfounded: A report receives unfounded status when investigators are unable to find substantial evidence of abuse or neglect. The subject of a ChildLine investigation typically faces virtually no consequences when a report is categorized as unfounded.
- Indicated: Investigators may classify a ChildLine report as indicated when there is sufficient evidence of abuse or neglect. ChildLine will add a listing to the state registry accordingly.
- Founded: ChildLine may also create a listing in the registry for a report that's deemed to be founded. When a report is founded, that means that a judicial adjudication (such as a jury verdict) has found substantial evidence of child abuse or neglect.
A ChildLine investigation isn't a criminal matter. That said, a ChildLine case can lead to criminal charges. It's not uncommon for ChildLine investigators and county workers to contact law enforcement during their investigations. As such, the consequences of a ChildLine report can be quite significant. Keep in mind that you may still face criminal charges even if ChildLine ultimately fails to identify signs of abuse or neglect.
Even if you don't face criminal charges, remember having your name added to the ChildLine registry will almost certainly affect your career and volunteer opportunities. The outcome of a ChildLine investigation can also influence both current and future child custody arrangements. For example, perhaps you're a divorced parent who has visitation rights. Those rights could be jeopardized if ChildLine investigators determine there's sufficient evidence to categorize your report as indicated or founded.
You must also consider how a ChildLine report will affect your existing personal and professional relationships. While the public doesn't have access to the ChildLine registry, your coworkers, supervisors, and others might be aware of the investigation if county workers decide it's necessary to interview them.
Technically, you have the ability to hide the results of the investigation from these parties. However, they may have reasonable suspicions if they can determine the outcome wasn't in your favor.
You need a proper legal defense in these circumstances. That's exactly what our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm is prepared to offer. We'll carefully review the details of your case and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding Your Rights if Someone Has Referred You to ChildLine
The ChildLine system sometimes results in a person's name being added to the ChildLine registry without due process. In other words, someone might not even have the opportunity to present their side of the story during a ChildLine investigation.
You have rights if someone files a ChildLine report against you. Understanding those rights is critical during an investigation. Your rights include the right to be notified of:
- The existence of a ChildLine report against you
- Your right to hire an attorney
- Your right to potentially amend or expunge the county's decision at the conclusion of a ChildLine investigation
- Your right to have representation from an attorney during all meetings, interviews, and calls you may be required to participate in during an investigation
You also have certain rights when an investigation concludes. At the end of a ChildLine investigation, the state must notify you of the following:
- The investigation's result
- The current status of your child abuse or neglect report
- Your right to pursue having your ChildLine registry listing amended or expunged
- How the results of the investigation may impact your future career opportunities
- The information that will be included in your ChildLine registry listing
- Your right to file an appeal, which you must do within 90 days of the county arriving at its decision
- Your right to a hearing, during which the county may need to provide evidence proving its case
Few people expect to be the subject of ChildLine investigations. It's entirely natural if you're unfamiliar with your rights during this process.
This once again highlights the value of working with lawyers during an investigation. You'll be less likely to get taken advantage of or have your rights violated if you have legal professionals on your side.
How the LLF Law Firm Can Help You if You've Been Referred to ChildLine in Wyoming County
Guarding against violations of your rights is just one way our qualified attorneys with the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team can assist you if you've been reported to ChildLine in Wyoming County. It's also worth mentioning that a ChildLine investigation can be very draining and stressful. The whole experience will be much easier when you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing attorneys familiar with ChildLine investigations are defending you.
A ChildLine referral can affect everything from your employment prospects to your personal relationships. If someone has reported you to the ChildLine system, seeking legal assistance is among the most important early steps you can take.
Our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm is on hand to offer the help you need when you've been accused of child abuse or neglect in Wyoming County. Get started today by calling our offices at 888-535-3686 or contacting us through our online form.
