In child protective services, further providing for establishment of Statewide database, for access to information in Statewide database, for information in Statewide database, for disposition of founded and indicated reports, for amendment or expunction of information, for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents, for information relating to certified or licensed child-care home residents, for continued employment or participation in program, activity or service and for investigation of reports.
Impact
If enacted, SB642 significantly alters the landscape for child protection in Pennsylvania by providing a clear structure for managing and sharing vital information related to child abuse cases. It stipulates that individuals applying for jobs involving contact with children must undergo certification processes to verify their status regarding past abuse allegations. This could enhance child safety by ensuring that those with founded reports of child abuse are prohibited from such positions, thus potentially minimizing the risk of further abuse in environments meant to protect children.
Summary
Senate Bill 642 seeks to enhance child protective services in Pennsylvania by establishing a Statewide database aimed at securely managing information related to child abuse reports. The bill proposes amendments to Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on the establishment, access, and management of the database, which will include indicated and founded reports of child abuse. By centralizing information, the goal is to improve the oversight and response mechanisms for child-related employment and activities, particularly relevant for individuals seeking roles with children, such as educators and foster parents.
Sentiment
The sentiment regarding SB642 appears largely supportive among child welfare advocates and organizations that prioritize child safety. Proponents express that the bill is a necessary measure to provide better protection for children and to streamline the reporting process for past abuse allegations. However, concerns have been raised about the implications of such a database regarding privacy and the potential for misapplication against individuals with indicated or unfounded allegations, which could have lasting impacts on their employment prospects.
Contention
A notable point of contention is the classification of reports and the implications for employment based on the child protection tier levels defined in the bill. Some critics argue that while the intention is commendable, the categorization may unfairly impact individuals who have been indicated in past reports that may not reflect their current character or conduct. The bill necessitates strict clearance levels and may prevent certain individuals from working in vital roles, thereby raising discussions around due process and fairness in dealing with allegations of child abuse.
In child protective services, further providing for definitions, for reporting procedure, for disposition of complaints received, for responsibility for investigation, for access to information in Statewide database, for information in Statewide database and for release of information in confidential reports.
In child protective services, further providing for disposition and expunction of unfounded reports and general protective services reports and for disposition of founded and indicated reports, repealing provisions relating to expunction of information of perpetrator who was under 18 years of age when child abuse was committed and further providing for amendment or expunction of information; and making editorial changes.
In law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records and for hiring report; and imposing penalties.
Providing for Office of Child Advocate, the Coalition of Trauma Prevention and Intervention and the Statewide Children's Mental Health Ombudsman; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services.
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.