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1. What can I do if I am concerned about the care or treatment a child is receiving?

You can call the Agency and ask to speak to a Screener. This caseworker will take the information and a decision will be made regarding the Agency's need to respond.

2. How old does a child have to be to be left alone?

There is no law in the state of Pennsylvania regarding how old a child can be to be left alone.
This agency advises callers to consider each situation individually. Things that should be considered are: age of child, length of time alone, and does the child know emergency numbers such as 9-1-1 and/or someone they should contact in case of emergency.

3. If I call, will my name be given to the people I am calling about?

No. The law protects the confidentiality of referral sources. Callers may remain confidential in all child abuse referrals regardless of their relationship to the family. Most callers may remain confidential in other reports with the exception of callers who are making allegations against a current spouse, and ex-spouse, or a paramour with who the caller has children.

School staff reporting chronic truancy of a youngster will most likely have told the parents they are planning to make the report. We never disclose or confirm confidential referral sources.

4. What happens if a child is hurt or in danger after office hours, or on weekends or holidays?

There is an on-call caseworker and supervisor available at all times. Call County Control at 717.243.4121 and tell them you need to speak to a Children and Youth Services caseworker about an emergency situation. They will contact our emergency duty staff immediately, who will then contact you to discuss your concerns and/or take steps to assure the safety of the child.