Pennsylvania takes the safety of children very seriously. If you become involved in a child abuse investigation, the consequences can be significant, affecting both your child custody rights and your ability to work.
Recent changes to Pennsylvania custody laws have heightened the impact of prior involvement with Children and Youth Services (CYS). While custody courts have long considered a parent’s history with CYS, the updated law gives courts broader authority to restrict custody based on CYS records. As a result, past involvement with CYS may limit your ability to share physical custody or require that any custody time be supervised.
CYS involvement can also have serious employment consequences. Many employers and volunteer organizations require Child Abuse Clearances as part of their screening process. If a CYS investigation is pending, that investigation may appear on clearance results, even before a final determination is made. This can prevent you from working or volunteering during the investigation. In some cases, CYS may also notify law enforcement, which can lead to criminal charges and further legal exposure.
Once an investigation is complete, an indicated finding can have lasting consequences beyond custody, including the loss of employment or volunteer opportunities. Because of the serious and far-reaching implications, it is critical to speak with an experienced attorney as early as possible if you are involved in a child abuse investigation.
