For more information on ways to receive help or to get involved, please refer to the following list of organizations.
statistics
In 2006, there were 4,947 documented new cases of child abuse and neglect in Philadelphia
3,855 were Child Protective Cases, the most serious incident of child abuse or physical neglect, including cases of sexual abuse or exploitation.
1,092 were General Protective Cases, which primarily involve cases of neglect or potential harm, with no apparent serious physical injuries to the child.
Since 1997, the annual number of Child Protective cases has declined by 35%.
A: Child abuse, according to the Child Protective Service Law (CPSL) includes any recent act or failure to act by a perpetrator to a child under 18 years of age that causes non-accidental serious physical injury, or non-accidental serious mental injury, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, and serious neglect. “Recent” is defined as an abusive act within two years from the date ChildLine is called. Sexual abuse has no time limit.
Q: Who can be a perpetrator?
A: A perpetrator of child abuse can be a child’s parent, the person responsible for the welfare of a child such as a babysitter or day care staff person, and individual residing in the same home as the child who is at least 14 years of age, or a paramour of the child’s parent regardless of whether or not they reside in the home.
Q: How do I report it?
A: The Support Center for Child Advocates does not provide a hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect. To report abuse 24 hours a day, please call:
Philadelphia Department of Human Services
Child Abuse Hotline
(215) 683-6100
Pennsylvania CHILDLINE (800) 923-0313
New Jersey Division of Youth & Family
Services (800) 792-8610
