PA Child Protection Laws in the Church

Pennsylvania laws differ significantly in this area from many other states, so this workshop is recommended for churches in Pennsylvania only.

Child protection laws and requirements can be confusing and overwhelming to any church. But there is nothing more important than the safety of every child to whom we minister. Whatever your involvement at your church, whether as an employee or volunteer – working with children, implementing child safety policies, or concerned about your church’s liability – come hear from an attorney well versed in Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (CPSL).

We will review key definitions laid out in the CPSL, including how child abuse is defined, what and who mandated reporters are, and what circumstances require reporting by mandated reporters. This workshop will also address common areas of confusion. In addition to CPSL, we will look at churches’ duty to to protect children under common law requirements. There will be ample time to ask your specific questions and hear what questions other churches have as they implement these requirements.

Ann Martin, J.D. is a partner at the law firm Gibbel Kraybill & Hess LLP, where she helps churches, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions understand their child protection duties. Her primary practice areas are in estate planning and long-term care and special needs planning.