Child Protective Services
Report Child Abuse or Neglect
Everyone* is encouraged to
call 412-473-2000 or 1-800-932-0313 if you are concerned about the well-being of a person, 18 years of age or younger. These numbers answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have it, you will be asked to share information such as:
- Names and addresses of the child, parents, and any other person responsible for the child’s welfare
- Where the suspected abuse occurred
- Age and sex of each subject child of the report
- Nature and extent of the suspected child abuse, including any evidence of prior abuse to the child or any sibling to the child
- Name and relationship of each individual responsible for causing the suspected abuse and any evidence of prior abuse by each individual
- Family composition
- Source of the report
- Actions you have taken (e.g. photographs, x-rays and medical tests)
- Your name, telephone number and email address*
*You can make the call anonymously and do not have to give your name or contact information.
Professionals Who Interact with Children
Some people must report their concerns about a child’s well-being and are called mandated reporters. Find out if you are a mandated reporter and how to get training. Learn more
Supports for Families
Parent and Caregiver Supports
As a parent or caregiver of a child, you know that taking the best care of your child is a challenge. There are supports available to help. Learn more
Families Involved in the Child Welfare System
The best place for your child is in a safe home with you. Your child’s safety depends on the choices you make. DHS can help you figure out how to use the strengths your family has. DHS can also help you come up with a plan to overcome your challenges. Learn more
There are many things to consider if your family is involved with Children's Court due to involvement with the child welfare system. Getting an attorney to represent you and learning about court hearings can help you navigate the process. Learn more
Child Welfare Laws
Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center
This site presents changes to the definitions of child abuse, perpetrators and mandated reporters as well as the changes in thresholds and background check requirements. Most are effective December 31, 2014.
Major Federal Legislation Concerned With Child Protection, Child Welfare, and Adoption
Complied by the Child Welfare Information Gateway, current as of April 2012. Learn more
Allegheny County DHS held an education session to explain the changes to the Child Protective Services Law that are effective December 31, 2014. View a video of the 90-minute presentation. The accompanying CPSL PowerPoint presentation is also available.
Child Abuse and Perpetrator: What's New
This document includes the new definitions for “child abuse” and “perpetrator” that are effective beginning December 31, 2014. This is not an all-inclusive overview of all recent changes to the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL). Here is the CPSL in its entirety.
A Parent's Handbook
A booklet developed for parents involved in the child welfare system that details the rights and responsibilites of parents, children, CYF and the courts. Learn more
Child Abuse Prevention Month
You have the power to stop the abuse of a child. Learn more