PA doesn’t check for child abuse consistently, advocates say

Detecting child abuse can require medical training, but Pa. lacks consistent rules

In some Pennsylvania counties, child abuse allegations are only investigated by caseworkers, while others include the expertise of specialized doctors and nurses.

PA doesn’t check for child abuse consistently, advocates say

HARRISBURG — The Shapiro administration and the legislature have been slow to act on recommendations from a state-commissioned report that found the commonwealth needs a consistent system for determining when children have been abused. In some counties, child abuse allegations are exclusively investigated by caseworkers. Others include the expertise of specialized doctors and nurses in such inquiries, and have checks in place if there are disagr…

Detecting Child Abuse Can Require Medical Training, but Pa. Lacks Consistent Rules

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The Shapiro administration and the legislature have been slow to act on recommendations from a state-commissioned report that found the commonwealth needs a consistent system for determining when children have…