Upon completion of this course, you will be better prepared to recognize and report child abuse, child maltreatment, and child neglect. Specific learning objectives to address potential knowledge gaps include:

• State the goal of the child welfare system in Pennsylvania.
• Differentiate between Child Protective Services and General Protective Services responses to reports of possible abuse or neglect.
• Describe the key components of child abuse and the categories of child abuse as defined by Pennsylvania law.
• Recognize indicators of child abuse and trafficking.
• Summarize the basis and responsibilities for reporting suspected child abuse.
• Describe the process to report child abuse.
• Identify the protections for reporters who act in good faith and penalties for failure to report.