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aware of Pennsylvania law protecting children

Child Protective Services Law

In 1974, the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) was enacted. The law was intended "to ensure the child's well-being and to preserve and stabilize family life wherever appropriate."

Anyone can report abuse, not just those required to do so by law.

Purpose of the Law

  • Encourage more complete reporting of suspected child abuse.
  • Involve law enforcement agencies in responding to child abuse.
  • Establish in each county protective services to investigate reports swiftly and competently.
  • Protect abused children from further abuse.
  • Provide rehabilitative services for children and parents to ensure the child's well-being.
  • Preserve, stabilize, and protect the integrity of family life.
  • Assess risk of harm and prioritize response and services to children most at risk.

Interactive United States History of
Child Protective Services Timeline

  • ASPCA Original Logo

    1866

    ASPCA formed in 1866

  • 1912

    The Federal Children's Bureau was established to manage federal child welfare efforts,including services related to child maltreatment.

  • 1958

    Amendments to the Social Security Act mandated that states fund child protection efforts.

  • 1962

    Professional and media interest in child maltreatment increased by the publication of Dr. C. Henry Kempe "The Battered Child Syndrome" in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

  • 1967

    In response to public concern from Dr. Kempe's research - all 50 states and the District of Columbia passed mandatory child abuse reporting laws.

    PA passed the first child abuse law giving all county child welfare agencies the powers and duties of investigating reports of child abuse reported by physicians. (1970 - nurses and teachers added as mandated reporters)

  • 1974

    Congress passed legislation in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act that provides funding for the investigation and prevention of child abuse. The act created the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. http://www.childwelfare.gov

    In 1974, the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) was enacted. The law was intended "to ensure the child's well-being and to preserve and stabilize family life wherever appropriate."

  • 1982

    Law enforcement involved, longer retention of child abuse files.

  • 1985

    Civil and criminal background checks required for individuals employed to care for children.

  • 1994

    Amendments added:

    • imminent risk
    • student abuse
    • recent defined as 2 years
    • reasonable cause to suspect

  • 2007

    Amendments expand the obligations of mandated reporters to report suspected child abuse to ChildLine without regard for the relationship between the alleged abuser and child.

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