Category: News

DHS Announces Pediatric Capacity Building Institute Year 2 (September 1, 2024)

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced the Second Annual Pediatric Capacity Building Institute (PCBI).  PCBI is a unique, interactive, educational experience which will occur over a nine-month period (March 2025 – November 2025).  DHS strives to bring exceptional speakers who engage participants in a wide range of topics designed to better support children and families with complex needs across the Commonwealth.  Some of the topics include infant mental health, leading through change, multisystemic planning, impact of trauma on children and families, vicarious trauma among professionals, expressive therapies and much more.  PCBI also strives to incorporate the voices and experience of the children and families using these supports and services at every juncture.  PCBI is open to professionals across systems with an interest in learning more about supporting children with complex needs and system change. 

A formal invitation with additional details and an interest survey will be distributed on 9/11/2024.  Additionally, an informational webinar will be held on 9/12/2024. Each person must complete the PCBI Year 2 Interest Survey by 10/9/2024 to express interest and confirm their ability to attend all sessions.  There are a limited number of spaces available for participants.  Persons submitting an interest survey will be notified through email by November 1, 2024, as to their admission status. 

Interested parties can register for the Pediatric Capacity Building Institute Informational Webinar on September 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM EDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8184293308064621407.

2023 Annual Child Protective Services Report is Released (August 26, 2024)

On August 22, 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS)  released the 2023 Annual Child Protective Services Report, which provides statewide and county-level data on the efforts to protect and help children who were reported as victims of suspected abuse and neglect. The report provides a year-long look into trends in Pennsylvania’s county-administered, state-supervised child welfare system that can give context to potential opportunities to strengthen DHS’ work with county partners and further support organizations working with families to give children safe, healthy childhoods.  

DHS urges all Pennsylvanians to be aware of signs of potential abuse and to report potential child abuse or neglect to ChildLine, which is a 24/7 hotline available to anyone concerned for the safety or well-being of a child, by calling 1-800-932-0313. Mandated reporters can also report to ChildLine electronically. 

Pennsylvania’s Child Welfare System
The child welfare system in Pennsylvania is state-supervised and county-administered, with both parties playing vital roles in the protection of children. DHS, through its Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF), oversees this system.

At the state level, DHS is responsible for oversight and enforcement of laws, regulations, and policies that guide the provision of child welfare services by each of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. This includes the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL), which defines child abuse and incidents in which Child Protective Services reports are necessary. DHS also provides funding, oversight, and technical assistance to each county children and youth agency.

Counties in Pennsylvania are responsible for all day-to-day child welfare functions. DHS licenses county agencies to provide essential child welfare operations, which includes investigations of potential abuse and neglect, case management services, foster care coordination and monitoring, and other supportive services. County children and youth agencies are responsible for staffing these operations. Counties are encouraged to coordinate between partners in health care and social services, which are essential in providing a comprehensive support system in order to meet children and families’ evolving needs.

If a county is unable to or is inadequately supporting these operations or is non-compliant with laws like the CPSL, DHS issues a six-month provisional license that requires a plan of correction and ongoing monitoring to ensure the plan is being followed; state statute and regulations prevent DHS from issuing more than four provisional licenses. After a fourth provisional, a county’s license is revoked. If a county is facing significant operational challenges, DHS will assist the county agency by providing technical assistance to help the county navigate operational challenges, pursue new techniques, and amplify best practices to help them strengthen their work, support staff dedicated to this important work, and meet our shared goals of supporting families through varying circumstances so children can grow up safe and protected. 

Report Summary   
The CPSL requires DHS to annually report to the Governor and General Assembly on child abuse in the Commonwealth. The report provides information on the efforts to protect and help children who were reported as victims of suspected abuse and neglect. In summary, DHS has seen the totals across all reporting categories stabilize following the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in reduced contact between children and mandated reporters.

In 2023, there were a total of 40,301 reports of suspected child abuse, compared to 39,093 reports in 2022. In the 2019 Annual Child Abuse, prior to Pennsylvania experiencing the impacts of the pandemic, the total number of suspected child abuse reports had been 42,252. 

The 2023 report found that:   

  • There were a total of 57 substantiated fatalities in 2023, compared to 60 substantiated in 2022;   
  • There were a total of 247 suspected near fatalities in 2023 compared with 236 reported in 2022.
  • There were a total of 40,301 reports of suspected child abuse in 2023, as opposed to 39,093 reports in 2022.
  • The percent of reports of suspected child abuse that were substantiated decreased from 12.8% in 2022 to 11.7% in 2023.

Read the full report on DHS website.

How To Report Abuse  
DHS operates ChildLine, a 24/7 hotline available to anyone concerned about the welfare of a child to report suspected child abuse; it can be reached at 1-800-932-0313. Mandated reporters can also report to ChildLine electronically. Anyone can make a report to ChildLine, and anyone who is not a mandated reporter can make a report to ChildLine anonymously. DHS encourages all Pennsylvanians to learn more about the signs of potential abuse or neglect and make a report to ChildLine if they begin to suspect abuse or neglect. Signs of potential abuse or neglect can include:   

  • Numerous and/or unexplained injuries or bruises;   
  • Chronic, pronounced anxiety and expressed feelings of inadequacy;   
  • Flinching or an avoidance to being touched;   
  • Poor impulse control;   
  • Demonstrating abusive behavior or talk;   
  • Cruelty to animals or others; and,   
  • Fear of parent or caregiver, among others.

Every allegation of child abuse reported to ChildLine is investigated. ChildLine caseworkers are trained to collect all helpful information from anyone reporting concern for a child’s well-being and to properly refer reports to the appropriate investigating agencies for review, assessment and follow-up, if necessary. Investigating agencies can be county child welfare offices or regional DHS offices and, when appropriate, ChildLine also refers reports to local law enforcement agencies.

Pennsylvanians can learn more about the signs of potential abuse at www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov. To report suspected child abuse, call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. 

September is Suicide Prevention Month (August 26, 2024)

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It is a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

The NAMI HelpLine provides the one-on-one help and information necessary to tackle tough challenges that you, your family or friends are facing. Call, Text or Chat with the HelpLine M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET.
988 crisis service is available 24/7.

For resources, visit  NAMI by clicking here

Guidance Released for the Use of CGMs in the School Setting (August 25, 2024)

This summer, the American Diabetes Association provided Guidance for the Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in School Setting, which contains general information for parents/guardians (referred to in the guide collectively as “parents”), school nurses and administrators, school staff, diabetes health care providers, and others about the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in the school setting to monitor a student’s blood glucose (blood sugar). The student’s individualized Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP), developed and approved by the student’s diabetes health care provider or diabetes health care provider’s orders, contain directives for managing the student’s CGM at school and should be followed and implemented by the school.

The student’s individualized Section 504 Plan, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or other written accommodations plan, should be consistent with the DMMP/provider’s orders. Specific questions unique to individual students should be directed to the student’s diabetes health care provider.

The guidance document will be updated as new evidence-based research emerges and devices are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—so the reader is  encouraged to check back frequently for updates.

To access the complete guidance document, click here.

Mandatory use of Special Ed. Paraprofessional Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist Starts Now! (August 24, 2025)

Per 22 Pa. Code § 14.105, instructional paraprofessionals are required to meet one of the following qualifications:

       (i) Have completed at least two years of postsecondary study; 
       (ii) Possess an associate degree or higher; or
​       (iii) Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a state or local
             assessment.

The Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist serves as the state assessment and satisfies the third pathway under 22 Pa. Code § 14.105. If a paraprofessional in a local education agency chooses this path, their supervising administrator must document the paraprofessional’s attainment of the seven competencies outlined in the Special Education Paraprofessional Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist and submit the form to the PA Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. Upon review and approval of the submitted documents, the applicant will be issued an Entry Level Credential of Competency.

And now, starting with the 2024-25 school year, the Bureau of Special Education will only accept applications using the revised Entry Level Credential of Competency Checklist. The checklist must be completed electronically and emailed to [email protected].

For questions about the revised Entry Level Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraprofessionals, please email [email protected].