Child abuse is generally the mistreatment of a child by a parent or caregiver—through actions or inactions—that causes injury, death, or emotional harm to the child—or that places the child at serious risk of such injury, death, or emotional harm. Mistreatment that constitutes child abuse may take many forms, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, failure to supervise, and exploitation. Child abuse laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s family code and criminal or penal code.

In Pennsylvania, child abuse is defined under the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) and is considered a serious offense. The law defines child abuse as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, serious mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or serious physical neglect of a child. This includes acts or failures to act that result in injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, or imminent risk of serious harm. Pennsylvania law mandates that certain professionals and community members, known as mandated reporters, must report suspected child abuse. The state operates a 24/7 hotline, ChildLine, for reporting suspected abuse. The penalties for child abuse in Pennsylvania can include criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the abuse. Additionally, substantiated cases of child abuse can lead to intervention by child protective services, including the possibility of removing the child from the home, parental rights termination, and other legal consequences.