Bill > SB723

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's child protective services laws to provide more flexibility in investigating and managing child abuse and protective service cases. The bill allows the Department of Human Services to assist county agencies in investigating cases when they are not doing so in a timely manner, and permits the department to form a task force or authorize county agencies to contract with private agencies for investigations. Private agencies investigating cases must meet specific regulatory standards and have personnel with qualifications equal to county agency staff. The bill also clarifies that county agencies may now contract with private agencies to receive and assess reports of children needing protective services, and these private agencies will receive the same legal immunity as local agencies when acting within their contracted responsibilities. Additionally, the bill removes previous restrictions on purchasing services, allowing county agencies more latitude in utilizing public or private agencies to provide child protective services. The changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of child protective services by providing more options for investigation, assessment, and service provision while maintaining standards of care and confidentiality.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=723