Secretary of Public Welfare Releases 2008 Child Abuse Report

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Calling on all
Pennsylvanians to remain vigilant in protecting children from abuse and
neglect, Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman today released the
2008 Child Abuse Report.

"Although we have seen a slight decrease in the percentage of child abuse
substantiated in 2008, 50 children died last year as the result of abuse and
neglect -- a statistic that is startling and sobering," said Secretary
Richman. "Especially during these times of economic stress, we must all remain
committed to protecting the health and well-being of Pennsylvania's children."

According to the report, in 2008, more than 25,000 reports of suspected child
abuse were received, an increase of more than 1,600 from 2007, suggesting a
heightened awareness among mandated reporters and the general public.

Since 2007, working with the General Assembly, the Rendell administration has
implemented new laws that require those working with children to obtain
fingerprint-based federal criminal background checks. As a direct result of
those checks, over 160 individuals with criminal histories were prevented from
working with children.

Pennsylvania's child welfare system is administered by the counties and
supervised by the Department of Public Welfare. County children and youth
agencies investigate all cases of suspected abuse, take preventative measures
to protect children from repeated abuse and offer rehabilitative services for
families affected by abuse and neglect.

The Department of Public Welfare maintains a central registry for abuse
reports and operates ChildLine, a toll-free, anonymous hotline allowing anyone
to call to report suspected abuse. Calls to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 are
accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since 1976, ChildLine has
received more than 2.1 million calls.

For more information on Pennsylvania's efforts to prevent child abuse and
neglect or to view the 2008 child abuse report, visit www.dpw.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Stacey Witalec
(717) 787-4592

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

Stacey Witalec of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, +1-717-787-4592