Act 31 of 2014, Initial Training and Continuing Education in Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Requirements will become effective January 1, 2015.

Act 31 requires all health related licensees and funeral directors who are mandatory reporters to complete 3 hours of Department of Human Services (formerly DPW) approved training on initial application for a license.

Additionally, all health related licensees and funeral directors applying for a license renewal are required to complete 2 hours of Board approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements.

Department of Human Services (formerly DPW) and the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center have developed a 3 hour online training program titled, "Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting," which is available free of charge at the following website:

Initial Training and Continuing Education in Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting
https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1

You can also find other Board approved training providers on the Department of State website by using the following website:

Act 31 Board Approved Training Providers
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/con_ed_providers/21920