Philadelphia Inquirer

Commentary: Bucks case shows value of child-abuse reports

Debra Schilling Wolfe, executive director of the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice, and Research at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the value of reporting child abuse in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer opinion piece.

“Our child-welfare and law enforcement systems can only help if someone calls. But we also need to understand that the Constitution protects the rights of individuals and that officials cannot investigate allegations that don’t rise to the legal definition of harm. As frustrating as that might be, those who have concerns about the welfare of children should makes those calls and be persistent. Offer as much information as you have. What might seem insignificant can actually make a difference.”

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