Before Act 179, failing to make a mandatory child abuse report was a summary offense

After Act 179 (CURRENT LAW), failure to make a mandated report is a misdemeanor in the third degree 23 Pa. C.S.A. § 6319 (subsequent failures to report under child abuse statute are second degree misdemeanors)

Why aren't Mandatory Reports always made?

• Confusion about reporting requirements
• Overlooking signs and symptoms of abuse
• Lacking confidence in Authorities
• Not a perfect system
• Inconvenience about getting involved
• Follow – up from OCYS investigator
• Fear of Parental Reaction

NONE of these reasons overrides the legal requirement to REPORT!!