HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) recently unveiled its 2023 Annual Child Protective Services Report, a comprehensive document detailing statewide and county-level data on child abuse and neglect. This report serves as a crucial instrument for understanding trends within Pennsylvania’s child welfare system, which is administered at the county level under state supervision. It also identifies opportunities to bolster efforts to protect the state’s children and support families.
DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh emphasized the shared responsibility in safeguarding children. “Pennsylvania’s children deserve to grow up and thrive in safe, loving environments,” she said. “The Commonwealth’s child welfare system exists to protect children and support families.” She called on all Pennsylvanians to take proactive steps to prevent child abuse and neglect, urging anyone with concerns to contact ChildLine, a 24/7 hotline for reporting suspected child abuse.
The child welfare system in Pennsylvania operates under a dual framework. DHS, through its Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF), provides oversight, funding, and technical assistance to ensure local agencies comply with state laws and regulations. The counties, in turn, manage day-to-day operations, such as investigating abuse reports, managing cases, coordinating foster care, and integrating services with healthcare and social support systems.
If a county agency fails to meet its obligations, DHS can issue a six-month provisional license, requiring corrective action and monitoring. Persistent non-compliance can lead to license revocation. DHS actively supports county agencies facing operational challenges by offering technical guidance and promoting best practices.
The 2023 report highlighted a stabilization in child abuse report numbers following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 40,301 reports of suspected child abuse in 2023, a slight increase from 39,093 in 2022. This compares to 42,252 reports in 2019, the year before the pandemic’s impact on reporting became evident.
The report revealed 57 substantiated child fatalities in 2023, down from 60 in 2022, and 247 suspected near fatalities, up from 236 the previous year. The percentage of substantiated abuse reports decreased from 12.8% in 2022 to 11.7% in 2023.
Dr. Arkoosh expressed gratitude to the professionals dedicated to child welfare, acknowledging their pivotal role in protecting children and supporting families across the state. “We all share the goal of keeping our children safe, and we are deeply grateful for the continued support and partnership,” she stated.
The DHS encourages all Pennsylvanians to recognize signs of potential abuse or neglect and to report concerns to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. The hotline is anonymous for non-mandated reporters and serves as a critical tool for gathering information and referring cases to appropriate agencies for investigation.
Signs of potential abuse or neglect include unexplained injuries, chronic anxiety, avoidance of touch, impulsive behavior, and fear of caregivers. Every report to ChildLine is taken seriously, with trained caseworkers ensuring that reports are directed to the correct investigative bodies, which may include county agencies or local law enforcement.
The DHS’s commitment to transparency and accountability in child welfare is evident in this annual report, which not only tracks incidents but also underscores the importance of community involvement in safeguarding children. By staying vigilant and informed, Pennsylvanians can contribute to a safer and healthier environment for all children.
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