Diocese of Scranton
Flow Chart for Reporting Abuse
Call 911 if the child is in imminent danger

  1. Make a report by Calling Childline Immediately
    1-800-932-0313
    AND

    • Complete and mail or fax in CY-47 Form
      Complete all information on the form as far as you are able. There may be questions you are not able to answer. Please mail the form to the Local County Office of Children & Youth as directed.
    • OPTION – Electronic Reporting
      You may also report abuse online
      If you do not have a Keystone ID, you will need to create one.  Click on “Access my Referrals”.
      Complete all information as far as you are able.  There may be questions you are not able to answer. A confirmation of the submittal will be sent by email.
      If you have a Keystone ID you may view and print your report.
      ***It is not required to submit the CY-47 Form if you report electronically.
  2. Inform Person in Charge
    This may be the Pastor, Principal, Administrator, Director of Religious Education, etc.
  3. Receive and Save Status Report Letter from Local County Office of Children & Youth
    Within 30-60 days, you should receive a letter from the Local County Office of Children & Youth that states the status of the report

NOTE: Keep copies of ALL your correspondence and a record of to whom you spoke.

 

Additional information concerning the reporting of child abuse in Pennsylvania

 

Reporting of Child Abuse

 

In 2015 amendments to the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) became effective throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The CPSL amendments expanded the list of mandated reporters of child abuse.  Failure to report suspected child abuse is a crime.

At the outset, it is important to note that “child abuse” is not limited to sexual abuse. It includes inflicting, or creating a likelihood of serious bodily injury, serious mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, serious physical neglect or medical abuse. A “child” is any individual who is under the age of 18.  According to the laws, an act or failure to act, resulting in bodily injury must have occurred within the last TWO years.

Adherence by Church personnel to the expanded reporting mandates is a vital part of the Church’s efforts to prevent the abuse of children. The Diocese of Scranton urges that all Church personnel resolve any questions about the application or interpretation of the law in favor of reporting.

Among the occupations specifically listed in CPSL as mandated reporters are many associated with Catholic institutions: clergy, teachers, day-care personnel, social service workers, school administrators, school nurses, foster-care workers, health care personnel and mental health workers.

Other types of Church personnel who are considered mandated reporters are religious education instructors, parish and school administrative personnel, music ministers, child-care personnel, youth ministers, athletic coaches, food service personnel, classroom aides, playground monitors, and Girl Scout and Boy Scout leaders.