State report highlights 41,070 suspected cases; PFSA urges early intervention and family support as most fatalities involved children under age 5

Harrisburg, Pa. – Pa Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state leader in child abuse and neglect prevention, is calling on communities across the Commonwealth to strengthen their role in protecting children following the release of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) 2024 Child Protective Services Annual Report.

The report shows a continued rise in suspected child abuse reports, with 41,070 reports filed in 2024, up from 40,301 in 2023. Although still below pre-pandemic levels (42,252 in 2019), the steady increases over the last four years reflect a troubling trend.

Of those reports, 4,756 cases were substantiated, a slight increase from 2023. The overall substantiation rate, however, dipped slightly to 11.6%, consistent with pre-pandemic patterns. As in past years, sexual abuse remained the most common form of substantiated abuse, followed by physical abuse. Parents continued to be most often identified as the perpetrators.

PFSA also highlighted another concerning finding: child fatalities due to abuse increased to 60 in 2024 (up from 57 in 2023), while near fatalities declined to 82 (down from 119 the prior year). Alarmingly, more than three-quarters of these tragic cases involved children under the age of 5, and severe neglect — including lack of supervision, unsafe sleep practices, and failure to provide medical care — was a major factor.

“Each one of these numbers represents a child whose life was endangered or cut short,” said Justin Donofrio, PFSA’s Director of Prevention Programs “We must face the hard truth: child abuse is preventable, but only if every community member, not just mandated reporters, takes responsibility for protecting children. Prevention must start with education, awareness, and support for families before a crisis occurs. Together, we can prevent child abuse and neglect.”

According to the DHS report, mandated reporters — such as teachers, medical professionals, and law enforcement — made the majority of reports (42,330), but permissive reporters (community members not required by law) made 7,287 reports, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. PFSA emphasizes this growth underscores the power of community involvement in recognizing and reporting abuse.

PFSA provides statewide training, resources, and public awareness initiatives to help mandated and permissive reporters identify signs of abuse and neglect and take action. The organization also operates programs that support families and strengthen protective factors to prevent abuse before it happens.

“As the DHS report makes clear, child abuse touches every community, every demographic, and every county in Pennsylvania,” said Haven Evans, PFSA’s Director of Programs. “We cannot afford to think it won’t happen here. Every Pennsylvanian has a role to play in protecting our children.”

Upcoming training opportunities for mandated reporters

Continued, high-quality training for mandated reporters is essential to protecting Pennsylvania’s children, Evans said. With child abuse and neglect on the rise both in the state and nationwide, PFSA is offering specialized training opportunities throughout the remainder of 2025.

“These trainings equip mandated reporters with the knowledge and direction they need to recognize the warning signs of abuse and neglect and to respond appropriately when a child discloses abuse,” Evans explained. “Even one child experiencing abuse or neglect is too many. Ongoing education and vigilance are key to keeping children safe.”

PFSA has trainings scheduled for the rest of the year. Those interested in a training should visit https://pafsa.org/events-programs-trainings. 

In addition, PFSA will host the 2025 Pennsylvania Child Abuse Prevention Symposium on November 6. This event brings together experts, professionals, and community members to share best practices and strengthen efforts to protect children. Learn more and register at https://pafsa.org/symposium-details. 

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About Pa Family Support Alliance

Pa Family Support Alliance prevents child abuse and protects children from harm by helping parents learn positive parenting techniques, educating professionals and volunteers who work with children to recognize and report child abuse, and helping community members learn how they can play a positive role in keeping children safe. To learn more about our programs, schedule a training, or donate, please visit pafsa.org, or call 800-448-4906.