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2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 63 - Child Protective Services › Section 6377 - Caseloads

§ 6377. Caseloads.
The department by regulation shall set forth staff-to-family ratios for general protective services.
(Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1997)
1994 Amendment.
Act 151 added section 6377.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 63 - Child Protective Services › Section 6378 - Purchase of services

§ 6378. Purchase of services.
Except for the receipt and assessment of reports alleging a need for protective services, the county agency may purchase and utilize the services of any appropriate public or private agency. The department shall promulgate regulations establishing standards and qualifications of persons or agencies providing services for a county agency. The department may, by regulation, provide for the establishment of regional facilities or a regional coordination of licensed professional service providers to provide county agencies with access to licensed physicians and psychologists, as required by this section.
(Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1997)
1994 Amendment.
Act 151 added section 6378.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 63 - Child Protective Services › Section 6381 - Evidence in court proceedings

§ 6381. Evidence in court proceedings.
(a) General rule.--
In addition to the rules of evidence provided under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters), the rules of evidence in this section shall govern in child abuse proceedings in court or in any department administrative hearing pursuant to section 6341 (relating to amendment or expunction of information).
(b) Reports of unavailable persons.--
Whenever a person required to report under this chapter is unavailable due to death or removal from the jurisdiction of the court, the written report of that person shall be admissible in evidence in any proceedings arising out of child abuse other than proceedings under Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses). Any hearsay contained in the reports shall be given such weight, if any, as the court determines to be appropriate under all of the circumstances. However, any hearsay contained in a written report shall not of itself be sufficient to support an adjudication based on abuse.
(c) Privileged communications.--
Except for privileged communications between a lawyer and a client and between a minister and a penitent, a privilege of confidential communication between husband and wife or between any professional person, including, but not limited to, physicians, psychologists, counselors, employees of hospitals, clinics, day-care centers and schools and their patients or clients, shall not constitute grounds for excluding evidence at any proceeding regarding child abuse or the cause of child abuse.
(d) Prima facie evidence of abuse.--
Evidence that a child has suffered child abuse of such a nature as would ordinarily not be sustained or exist except by reason of the acts or omissions of the parent or other person responsible for the welfare of the child shall be prima facie evidence of child abuse by the parent or other person responsible for the welfare of the child.
(e) Child victims and witnesses.--
In addition to the provisions of this section, any consideration afforded to a child victim or witness pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 59 Subch. D (relating to child victims and witnesses) in any prosecution or adjudication shall be afforded to a child in child abuse proceedings in court or in any department administrative hearing pursuant to section 6341.
(Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1995; Dec. 18, 2013, P.L.1170, No.108, eff. Dec. 31, 2014)
2013 Amendment.
Act 108 added subsec. (e).
1994 Amendment.
Act 151 amended subsecs. (a) and (d).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 63 - Child Protective Services › Section 6382 - Guardian ad litem for child in court proceedings (Repealed)

§ 6382. Guardian ad litem for child in court proceedings (Repealed).
2000 Repeal.
Section 6382 was repealed May 10, 2000, P.L.74, No.18, effective in 60 days.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 63 - Child Protective Services › Section 6384 - Legislative oversight

§ 6384. Legislative oversight.
A committee of the Senate designated by the President pro tempore of the Senate and a committee of the House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, either jointly or separately, shall review the manner in which this chapter has been administered at the State and local level for the following purposes:
(1) Providing information that will aid the General Assembly in its oversight responsibilities.
(2) Enabling the General Assembly to determine whether the programs and services mandated by this chapter are effectively meeting the goals of this chapter.
(3) Assisting the General Assembly in measuring the costs and benefits of this program and the effects and side-effects of mandated program services.
(4) Permitting the General Assembly to determine whether the confidentiality of records mandated by this chapter is being maintained at the State and local level.
(5) Providing information that will permit State and local program administrators to be held accountable for the administration of the programs mandated by this chapter.
Cross References.
Section 6384 is referred to in section 6340 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 63 - Child Protective Services › Section 6385 - Reimbursement to county agencies

§ 6385. Reimbursement to county agencies.
The department shall certify in accordance with the needs-based budgeting provisions of Article VII of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, a level of funds sufficient to meet the cost of services required by the provisions of this chapter which are reasonable and allowable as defined in Article VII.
(Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1995)
1994 Amendment.
Act 151 added section 6385.
References in Text. The short title of the act of June 13, 1967, P.L.31, No.21, known as the Public Welfare Code, referred to in this section, was amended by the act of December 28, 2015, P.L.500, No.92. The amended short title is now the Human Services Code.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 63 - Child Protective Services › Section 6387 - Pandemic of 2020

§ 6387. Pandemic of 2020.
(a) General rule.--
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the following shall apply to any individual required to obtain recertification under section 6344.4 (relating to recertification) during the disaster emergency relating to COVID-19. The following shall apply:
(1) An individual shall have until December 31, 2020, to obtain the recertification under section 6344(b)(3) (relating to employees having contact with children; adoptive and foster parents) or under section 111(c.1) of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949.
(2) An individual shall be required to obtain the certifications under section 6344(b)(1) and (2) as required under section 6344.4.
(3) An individual who delays recertification under section 6344(b)(3) or under section 111(c.1) of the Public School Code of 1949 shall be required to obtain the individual's subsequent recertifications required under section 6344.4 within 60 months from the date of the individual's most recent certification.
(b) Initial applicants.--
(Expired).
(c) Required record.--
An employer, administrator, supervisor or other person responsible for employment decisions shall maintain a copy of the required information under subsections (a) and (b).
(d) Definition.--
As used in this section, the term "COVID-19" means the novel coronavirus as identified in the proclamation of disaster emergency issued by the Governor on March 6, 2020, published at 50 Pa.B. 1644 (March 21, 2020).
(May 8, 2020, P.L.121, No.18, eff. imd.)
2020 Expiration.
Subsection (b) expired December 31, 2020. See Act 18 of 2020.
2020 Amendment.
Act 18 added section 6387. Section 3(2) of Act 18 provided that the addition of subsecs. (a) and (c) shall be retroactive to March 6, 2020.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 65 was added December 9, 2002, P.L.1549, No.201, effective in 60 days.
Cross References.
Chapter 65 is referred to in section 6315 of this title; section 4306 of Title 18
            (Crimes and Offenses).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6503 - Nonliability

§ 6503. Nonliability.
A parent of a newborn shall not be criminally liable under any provision of Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses) if the criteria set forth in 18 Pa.C.S § 4306 (relating to newborn protection) are met.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6504 - Health care providers accepting newborns

§ 6504. Health care providers accepting newborns.
(a) General rule.--
A health care provider at a hospital shall do all of the following relating to a newborn accepted under this chapter:
(1) Take the newborn into protective custody as provided in section 6315(a)(3) (relating to taking child into protective custody) or 6504.1(a)(2) (relating to police officers accepting newborns).
(2) Perform a medical evaluation as well as perform any act necessary to care for and protect the physical health and safety of the newborn.
(3) Notify the county agency and the local municipal police department or the Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police jurisdiction exists as provided in section 6505 (relating to reporting acceptance of newborns).
(b) Accepting newborns.--
When a health care provider accepts a newborn pursuant to this chapter, a parent, police officer or emergency services provider may provide a health care provider with information about the newborn's medical history and any identifying information.
(July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days; Dec. 22, 2017, P.L.1219, No.68, eff. 60 days)
2017 Amendment.
Act 68 amended subsec. (b).
2014 Amendment.
Act 91 amended the section heading and subsecs. (a)(1) and (b).
Cross References.
Section 6504 is referred to in sections 6502, 6504.1, 6504.2 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6504.1 - Police officers accepting newborns

§ 6504.1. Police officers accepting newborns.
(a) Duties.--
A police officer at a police station shall do all of the following relating to a newborn accepted under this chapter:
(1) Take the newborn into protective custody under section 6315(a)(5) (relating to taking child into protective custody).
(2) Ensure the newborn is transported to a hospital and placed into the care of a health care provider under section 6504 (relating to health care providers accepting newborns).
(b) Information.--
When a police officer accepts a newborn pursuant to this chapter, a parent may provide the police officer with information about the newborn's medical history and any identifying information.
(July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days)
2014 Amendment.
Act 91 added section 6504.1.
Cross References.
Section 6504.1 is referred to in sections 6504, 6505 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6504.2 - Emergency services providers accepting newborns

§ 6504.2. Emergency services providers accepting newborns.
(a) Duties.--
In accepting a newborn under this chapter, an emergency services provider shall:
(1) take the newborn into protective custody as specified under section 6315(a)(6) (relating to taking child into protective custody); and
(2) ensure the newborn is transported to a hospital and placed into the care of a health care provider as specified under section 6504 (relating to health care providers accepting newborns).
(b) Medical history.--
When an emergency services provider accepts a newborn under this chapter, a parent may provide the emergency services provider with information about the newborn's medical history and identifying information.
(c) Temporary signage.--
An entity employing an emergency services provider accepting newborns under this chapter shall ensure its grounds or the grounds of an entity otherwise providing access to an emergency services provider clearly indicate, for a minimum of 18 months, that emergency services providers may accept newborns under section 6315(a) and 18 Pa.C.S. § 4306 (relating to newborn protection).
(Dec. 22, 2017, P.L.1219, No.68, eff. 60 days)
2017 Amendment.
Act 68 added section 6504.2.
Cross References.
Section 6504.2 is referred to in section 6505 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6505 - Reporting acceptance of newborns

§ 6505. Reporting acceptance of newborns.
A health care provider at a hospital shall in all cases notify the county agency and the local municipal police department or the Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police jurisdiction exists immediately by telephone regarding a newborn accepted by a hospital under this chapter. A written report shall be submitted to the county agency and local municipal police department or the Pennsylvania State Police within 48 hours after the oral report. This section applies in the case of a hospital accepting a newborn pursuant to sections 6504.1(a)(2) (relating to police officers accepting newborns) and 6504.2(a)(2) (relating to emergency services providers accepting newborns). For purposes of this section, the term "health care provider" shall include administrative, managerial and security personnel employed by a hospital.
(July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days; Dec. 22, 2017, P.L.1219, No.68, eff. 60 days)
Cross References.
Section 6505 is referred to in section 6504 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6506 - Failure to report acceptance of newborns

§ 6506. Failure to report acceptance of newborns.
A health care provider at a hospital who intentionally or knowingly fails to report the acceptance by a hospital of a newborn as required by this chapter commits a summary offense. A second or subsequent failure to report such acceptance is a misdemeanor of the third degree.
Cross References.
Section 6506 is referred to in section 6507 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6507 - Immunity

§ 6507. Immunity.
Except for a violation of section 6506 (relating to failure to report acceptance of newborns), no emergency services provider, entity that employs or otherwise provides access to an emergency services provider, hospital, health care provider at a hospital or police department, police officer or administrative or managerial personnel of a police department shall be subject to civil liability or criminal penalty solely by reason of complying with the provisions of this chapter.
(July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days; Dec. 22, 2017, P.L.1219, No.68, eff. 60 days)
Cross References.
Section 6507 is referred to in section 6502 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6508 - Duty of hospital

§ 6508. Duty of hospital.
A hospital shall insure that its officers, health care providers and employees are familiar with the provisions of this chapter, section 6315(a)(3) (relating to taking child into protective custody) and other applicable provisions of Chapter 63 (relating to child protective services) that relate to newborn protection and shall insure that the appropriate officers, health care providers and employees, as the case may be, receive educational materials provided by the department as established under section 6509 (relating to duties of department). Information concerning this chapter, section 6315(a)(3) and other applicable provisions of Chapter 63 that relate to newborn protection and regulations adopted by the department shall be made part of the training at each hospital. Each hospital shall adopt a written policy in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, section 6315(a)(3) and other applicable provisions of Chapter 63 that relate to newborn protection.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 65 - Newborn Protection › Section 6509 - Duties of department

§ 6509. Duties of department.
The department shall provide educational materials for use by emergency services providers, entities which employ or otherwise provide access to emergency services providers, hospitals, health care providers, employees at hospitals and police officers regarding this chapter, section 6315(a)(3) (relating to taking child into protective custody) and other applicable provisions of Chapter 63 (relating to child protective services) that relate to newborn protection. The department shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement this chapter, section 6315(a)(3) and other applicable provisions of Chapter 63 that relate to newborn protection. The department shall also provide emergency services providers, entities which employ or otherwise provide access to emergency services providers, health care providers, hospitals, the Pennsylvania State Police and police departments with an informational pamphlet regarding this chapter, section 6315(a)(3) and other applicable provisions of Chapter 63 that relate to newborn protection which may be distributed to the public. In addition, the department shall comply with the provisions regarding infant abandonment in sections 6365 (relating to services for prevention, investigation and treatment of child abuse) and 6383 (relating to education and training). A report shall be made annually to the General Assembly on the number and disposition of newborns accepted in accordance with this chapter, section 6315(a)(3) and (5) and other applicable provisions of Chapter 63 that relate to newborn protection.
(July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days; Dec. 22, 2017, P.L.1219, No.68, eff. imd.)
Cross References.
Section 6509 is referred to in section 6508 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 67 was added November 30, 2004, P.L.1474, No.188, effective in 180 days.
Cross References.
Chapter 67 is referred to in sections 1302, 5336 of this title; sections 4521.1, 62A18
            of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure); section 8865 of Title 53 (Municipalities
            Generally); sections 1103.1, 1132.1, 1305, 1510 of Title 75 (Vehicles).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6702 - Definitions

§ 6702. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Actual address."
A residential address, school address or work address of an individual.
"Law enforcement agency."
A police department of a city, borough, incorporated town or township, the Pennsylvania State Police, district attorneys' offices and the Office of Attorney General.
"Office of Victim Advocate."
The office established under section 301 of the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act, that is responsible for the address confidentiality program pursuant to this chapter.
"Program participant."
A person certified by the Office of Victim Advocate as eligible to participate in the address confidentiality program established by this chapter.
"Substitute address."
The official address of the Office of Victim Advocate or a confidential address designated by the Office of Victim Advocate.
"Victim of domestic violence."
A person who is a victim as defined by section 6102 (relating to definitions).
"Victim of human trafficking."
As defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3001 (relating to definitions).
"Victim of kidnapping."
A victim of an offense that is enumerated in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2901 (relating to kidnapping).
"Victim of sexual assault."
A victim of an offense enumerated in 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 3121 (relating to rape), 3133 (relating to sexual extortion), 4302 (relating to incest), 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children), 6318 (relating to unlawful contact with minor) and 6320 (relating to sexual exploitation of children).
"Victim of stalking."
A victim of an offense enumerated in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709.1 (relating to stalking).
(July 7, 2022, P.L.501, No.50, eff. 60 days; Dec. 14, 2023, P.L.366, No.39, eff. 60 days)
2023 Amendment.
Act 39 amended the def. of "victim of human trafficking."
2022 Amendment.
Act 50 amended the def. of "victim of sexual assault" and added the defs. of "victim of human trafficking" and "victim of kidnapping." Section 4(1) of Act 50 provided that the Office of Victim Advocate may promulgate regulations to effectuate the addition of the definitions of "victim of human trafficking" and "victim of kidnapping."
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6703 - Address Confidentiality Program

§ 6703. Address Confidentiality Program.
(a) Establishment.--
The Office of Victim Advocate shall establish a program to be known as the Address Confidentiality Program. Upon application and certification, persons eligible under section 6704 (relating to persons eligible to apply) shall receive a confidential substitute address provided by the Office of Victim Advocate.
(b) Administration.--
The Office of Victim Advocate shall forward all first class, registered and certified mail at no expense to a program participant within three business days. The Office of Victim Advocate may arrange to receive and forward other classes or kinds of mail at the program participant's expense.
(c) Notice.--
Upon certification, the Office of Victim Advocate shall provide notice of participation and the program participant's substitute address to appropriate officials involved in an ongoing civil or criminal case in which a program participant is a victim, witness, plaintiff or defendant.
(d) Records.--
All records relating to applicants and program participants are the property of the Office of Victim Advocate. These records, including program applications, participants' actual addresses and waiver proceedings, shall be kept confidential and shall not be subject to the provisions of the act of June 21, 1957 (P.L.390, No.212), referred to as the Right-to-Know Law, except that records may be released as specifically set forth in this chapter and to a district attorney to the extent necessary for the prosecution of conduct as set forth in section 6711 (relating to penalties).
References in Text.
The act of June 21, 1957 (P.L.390, No.212), referred to as the Right-to-Know Law, referred to in subsec. (d), was repealed by the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6704 - Persons eligible to apply

§ 6704. Persons eligible to apply.
The following persons shall be eligible to apply to become program participants:
(1) A victim of domestic violence who files an affidavit with the Office of Victim Advocate stating the affiant's eligibility for a protection from abuse order and further stating that the affiant fears future violent acts by the perpetrator of the abuse.
(2) A victim of sexual assault who files an affidavit with the Office of Victim Advocate describing the perpetrator's violent actions or threatened violent actions toward the affiant and further stating that the affiant fears future violent acts by the perpetrator of the sexual violence.
(3) A victim of stalking who files an affidavit with the Office of Victim Advocate describing the perpetrator's course of conduct or repeated actions toward the affiant meeting the criteria enumerated in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709.1 (relating to stalking) and further stating that the affiant fears future violent acts by the perpetrator of the stalking.
(4) A person who is a member of the same household as a program participant.
(5) A program participant who notifies the Office of Victim Advocate of the participant's intent to continue in the program prior to the expiration of certification.
(6) A victim of kidnapping who files an affidavit with the Office of Victim Advocate describing the perpetrator's conduct toward the affiant meeting the criteria enumerated in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2901 (relating to kidnapping) and further stating that the affiant fears future violent acts by the perpetrator of the kidnapping.
(7) A victim of human trafficking who files an affidavit with the Office of Victim Advocate describing the perpetrator's course of conduct or repeated actions toward the affiant meeting the criteria enumerated in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3011 (relating to trafficking in individuals), 3012 (relating to involuntary servitude) or 3013 (relating to patronizing a victim of sexual servitude) and further stating that the affiant fears future violent acts by the perpetrator of the human trafficking.
(July 7, 2022, P.L.501, No.50, eff. 60 days; Dec. 14, 2023, P.L.366, No.39, eff. 60 days)
2023 Amendment.
Act 39 amended par. (7).
2022 Amendment.
Act 50 added pars. (6) and (7). Section 4(2) of Act 50 provided that the Office of Victim Advocate may promulgate regulations to effectuate the addition of pars. (6) and (7).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6705 - Application and certification process

§ 6705. Application and certification process.
(a) General rule.--
A person must file an application with the Office of Victim Advocate on a form prescribed by the Office of Victim Advocate. An application and any supporting documentation may be filed electronically, by mail or in person. The Office of Victim Advocate shall certify eligible applicants as program participants in accordance with the procedures outlined in subsection (b). Certification shall be valid for a period of three years following the date of certification unless the certification is withdrawn or canceled before the expiration of that period.
(b) Requirements for certification.--
The Office of Victim Advocate shall certify an applicant as a program participant if:
(1) The applicant meets the eligibility requirements under section 6704 (relating to persons eligible to apply).
(2) The applicant designates the Office of Victim Advocate as an agent for the purpose of receiving service of process.
(3) The application contains the applicant's actual address and telephone number where the applicant can be contacted.
(4) The application contains a list of all pending civil and criminal proceedings in which the applicant is a victim, witness, plaintiff or defendant and, if applicable, the applicant's involvement with State and county probation and parole.
(5) The application contains a statement signed by the applicant affirming that the information provided by the applicant is true to the best of the applicant's information, knowledge and belief.
(6) The application contains a statement signed by the applicant acknowledging that the applicant has a continuing duty to notify the Office of Victim Advocate of any change in the information provided to the Office of Victim Advocate in accordance with this chapter. The duty shall remain in effect for the duration of participation in the program.
(7) The application contains the date, the applicant's signature and the signature of any person who assisted in the preparation of the application.
(July 7, 2022, P.L.501, No.50, eff. 60 days)
2022 Amendment.
Act 50 amended subsec. (a). Section 4(2) of Act 50 provided that the Office of Victim Advocate may promulgate regulations to effectuate the amendment of subsec. (a).
Cross References.
Section 6705 is referred to in section 6711 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6706 - Cancellation, expiration and voluntary withdrawal

§ 6706. Cancellation, expiration and voluntary withdrawal.
(a) Cancellation.--
The Office of Victim Advocate shall cancel the certification of a program participant if:
(1) the program participant willingly provided false information on any portion of the application;
(2) the program participant failed to notify the Office of Victim Advocate within five days of a name change or an address change; or
(3) the program participant's mail is returned to the Office of Victim Advocate as nondeliverable.
(b) Expiration.--
Certification as a program participant shall expire three years from the date on which an applicant was certified as a program participant. The Office of Victim Advocate shall send written notification of pending expiration to a program participant's last known actual address 30 days prior to the expiration of certification.
(c) Withdrawal.--
A program participant may withdraw at any time by notifying the Office of Victim Advocate in writing.
(d) Effect of cancellation, expiration or withdrawal.--
Notwithstanding cancellation, expiration or prior withdrawal from the program, all persons eligible to apply to become program participants may reapply for participation in the program.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6707 - Agency use of designated address

§ 6707. Agency use of designated address.
State and local government agencies shall accept the substitute address designated on a valid program participation card issued to the program participant by the Office of Victim Advocate as the program participant's address except as follows:
(1) when the State or local government agency has been granted a waiver pursuant to section 6709 (relating to waiver process); or
(2) when the program participant is any of the following:
(i) a released offender complying with State or county probation or parole requirements; or
(ii) a convicted sexual offender who has fulfilled the offender's sentence but must register the offender's community residence as required under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H (relating to registration of sexual offenders) or I (relating to continued registration of sexual offenders) or any similar registration requirement imposed by any other jurisdiction.
(Dec. 20, 2011, P.L.446, No.111, eff. one year; Feb. 21, 2018, P.L.27, No.10, eff. imd.; June 12, 2018, P.L.140, No.29, eff. imd.)
2018 Amendment.
Act 29 reenacted section 6707.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6708 - Disclosure of actual address

§ 6708. Disclosure of actual address.
The Office of Victim Advocate shall not disclose the actual address of a program participant except to any of the following:
(1) A State or local government agency when the State or local government agency has been granted a waiver by the Office of Victim Advocate and the disclosure is made pursuant to section 6709 (relating to waiver process).
(2) A person or agency when disclosure is determined by the Office of Victim Advocate to be required due to an emergency and the disclosure is made pursuant to section 6710 (relating to emergency disclosure).
(3) A person identified in an order of court directing the Office of Victim Advocate to disclose the program participant's actual address and disclosure is made pursuant to the court order.
Cross References.
Section 6708 is referred to in section 6711 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6710 - Emergency disclosure

§ 6710. Emergency disclosure.
(a) General rule.--
The Office of Victim Advocate shall establish a system to respond to requests for emergency disclosures that will provide for 24-hour access to a program participant's actual address.
(b) Request for emergency disclosure.--
A government agency may request that the Office of Victim Advocate disclose a program participant's actual address through the system established pursuant to subsection (a). The Office of Victim Advocate shall disclose a program participant's actual address if the disclosure:
(1) will prevent physical harm to a program participant or to a program participant's family member; or
(2) is made to a law enforcement agency for law enforcement purposes and the circumstances warrant immediate disclosure.
(c) Requirements for emergency disclosure.--
Prior to disclosing a program participant's actual address pursuant to this section, the Office of Victim Advocate shall require:
(1) verification of the requester's identity and the requester's employment with a government agency;
(2) verification of the stated reason for the request to adequately ensure that emergency disclosure is required pursuant to subsection (b);
(3) proof, to the satisfaction of the Office of Victim Advocate, that other methods to locate the program participant or the program participant's actual address have been tried and have failed or that the methods reasonably appear to be unlikely to succeed given the circumstances of the stated reason for the request;
(4) that the program participant's actual address only be used by the requester or the agency to the extent necessary to respond to the stated reason for the request;
(5) that the requester and the requester's agency maintain the confidentiality of the actual address of the program participant; and
(6) that the requester and the requester's agency agree to dispose of the program participant's actual address as soon as practicable after the circumstances surrounding the stated reason for the request no longer require emergency disclosure pursuant to this section.
Cross References.
Section 6710 is referred to in section 6708 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6711 - Penalties

§ 6711. Penalties.
(a) False information.--
Any person who knowingly provides false information in regard to a material fact contained in any application made pursuant to section 6704 (relating to persons eligible to apply) or 6705 (relating to application and certification process) shall be subject to termination from the program and to criminal penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities).
(b) Access by fraud or misrepresentation.--
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who intentionally, knowingly or recklessly attempts to gain access to or gains access to a program participant's actual address by fraud or misrepresentation commits a misdemeanor of the second degree. A second or subsequent violation of this paragraph shall be graded as a felony of the third degree.
(2) A first offense under paragraph (1) shall be graded as a felony of the third degree if it is committed by any person who has previously been convicted of a crime of violence involving the program participant under paragraph (1) or the program participant's family or household member as defined in section 6102 (relating to definitions), including:
18 Pa.C.S. § 2701 (relating to simple assault);
18 Pa.C.S. § 2702 (relating to aggravated assault);
18 Pa.C.S. § 2705 (relating to recklessly endangering another person);
18 Pa.C.S. § 2709 (relating to harassment);
18 Pa.C.S. § 2709.1 (relating to stalking);
18 Pa.C.S. § 2718 (relating to strangulation);
18 Pa.C.S. § 2901 (relating to kidnapping);
18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 (relating to rape);
18 Pa.C.S. § 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse);
18 Pa.C.S. § 4954 (relating to protective orders); or
23 Pa.C.S. § 6108 (relating to relief).
(c) Unauthorized use of disclosed actual address.--
A person who lawfully obtains a program participant's actual address pursuant to an exception contained in section 6708 (relating to disclosure of actual address) and who subsequently discloses or uses the actual address in a manner not authorized by this chapter commits a summary offense.
(June 5, 2020, P.L.246, No.32, eff. 60 days)
2020 Amendment.
Act 32 amended subsec. (b)(2).
Cross References.
Section 6711 is referred to in section 6703 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6712 - Rules and regulations

§ 6712. Rules and regulations.
The Office of Victim Advocate shall have the following duties in order to implement this chapter:
(1) The Office of Victim Advocate shall adopt and use guidelines which shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The guidelines shall not be subject to review under section 205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.769, No.240), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law, or the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act.
(2) By July 1, 2006, the Office of Victim Advocate shall in accordance with law promulgate regulations to replace the guidelines under paragraph (1).
(3) The guidelines under paragraph (1) shall take effect in 180 days and expire on the earlier of the effective date of regulations promulgated under paragraph (2) or July 1, 2007.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 67 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality › Section 6713 - Civil immunity

§ 6713. Civil immunity.
Except for gross negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct, the Office of Victim Advocate, law enforcement agencies and all agents, contractors and employees of the Office of Victim Advocate or a law enforcement agency shall be immune from civil liability in any action arising in connection with this chapter.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 71 - General Provisions › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 71 was added April 4, 1996, P.L.58, No.20, effective immediately.
Cross References.
Chapter 71 is referred to in sections 7105, 7210, 7613, 77A02 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 71 - General Provisions › Section 7101 - Short title of part

§ 7101. Short title of part.
This part shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.
(a) Short title of part.--
(Deleted by amendment).
(b) Definitions.--
(Deleted by amendment).
(Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
1997 Amendment.
Act 58 of 1997 was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1910.50(3), as amended May 31, 2000, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rule No. 1910.20 relating to the availability of remedies for collection of past due and overdue support.
Cross References.
Section 7101 is referred to in sections 4302, 4308.1 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 71 - General Provisions › Section 7102 - Remedies cumulative (Repealed)

§ 7102. Remedies cumulative (Repealed).
2015 Repeal.
Section 7102 was repealed December 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, effective immediately.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 71 - General Provisions › Section 7103 - State tribunal and support enforcement agency

§ 7103. State tribunal and support enforcement agency.
(a) Tribunals.--
The courts of common pleas are the tribunals of this State.
(b) Support enforcement agency.--
The department's Bureau of Child Support Enforcement is the support enforcement agency of this State.
(Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
2015 Amendment.
Act 94 added section 7103.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 71 - General Provisions › Section 7104 - Cumulative remedies

§ 7104. Cumulative remedies.
(a) Remedies.--
Remedies provided by this part are cumulative and do not affect the availability of remedies under other law or the recognition of a foreign support order on the basis of comity.
(b) Limitations.--
This part does not:
(1) provide the exclusive method of establishing or enforcing a support order under the law of this State; or
(2) grant a tribunal of this State jurisdiction to render judgment or issue an order relating to child custody or visitation in a proceeding under this part.
(Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
2015 Amendment.
Act 94 added section 7104.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 71 - General Provisions › Section 7105 - Application of part to resident of foreign country and foreign support proceeding

§ 7105. Application of part to resident of foreign country and foreign support proceeding.
(a) Applicability.--
A tribunal of this State shall apply Chapter 71 (relating to general provisions), 72 (relating to jurisdiction), 73 (relating to civil provisions of general application), 74 (relating to establishment of support order or determination of parentage), 75 (relating to enforcement of support order without registration) or 76 (relating to registration, enforcement and modification of support order) and, as applicable, Chapter 77A (relating to support proceeding under convention), to a support proceeding involving any of the following:
(1) A foreign support order.
(2) A foreign tribunal.
(3) An obligee, obligor or child residing in a foreign country.
(b) Discretionary.--
A tribunal of this State that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of Chapter 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 or 76.
(c) Limitations.--
Chapter 77A applies only to a support proceeding under the convention. In a proceeding, if a provision of Chapter 77A is inconsistent with Chapter 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 or 76, Chapter 77A shall control.
(Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
2015 Amendment.
Act 94 added section 7105.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 72 - Jurisdiction › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 72 was added April 4, 1996, P.L.58, No.20, effective immediately.
Cross References.
Chapter 72 is referred to in sections 7105, 7210, 7613, 77A02 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 72 - Jurisdiction › Section 7201 - Bases for jurisdiction over nonresident

§ 7201. Bases for jurisdiction over nonresident.
(a) Jurisdiction.--
In a proceeding to establish or enforce a support order or to determine parentage of a child, a tribunal of this State may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual or the individual's guardian or conservator if any of the following apply:
(1) The individual is personally served with a writ of summons, complaint or other appropriate pleading within this State.
(2) The individual submits to the jurisdiction of this State by consent in a record, by entering a general appearance or by filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any contest to personal jurisdiction.
(3) The individual resided with the child in this State.
(4) The individual resided in this State and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child.
(5) The child resides in this State as a result of the acts or directives of the individual.
(6) The individual engaged in sexual intercourse in this State and the child may have been conceived by that act of intercourse.
(7) The individual acknowledged parentage of the child on a form filed with the department under section 5103 (relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity).
(8) There is any other basis consistent with the constitutions of this State and the United States for the exercise of personal jurisdiction.
(b) Modification.--
The bases of personal jurisdiction set forth in subsection (a) or in any other law of this State may not be used to acquire personal jurisdiction for a tribunal of this State to modify a child support order of another state unless the requirements of section 7611 (relating to modification of child support order of another state) are met or, in the case of a foreign support order, unless the requirements of section 7615 (relating to jurisdiction to modify child support order of a foreign country) are met.
(Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
Cross References.
Section 7201 is referred to in sections 7611, 77A08 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 72 - Jurisdiction › Section 7202 - Procedure when exercising jurisdiction over nonresident (Repealed)

§ 7202. Procedure when exercising jurisdiction over nonresident (Repealed).
2015 Repeal.
Section 7202 was repealed December 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, effective immediately.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 72 - Jurisdiction › Section 7202.1 - Duration of personal jurisdiction

§ 7202.1. Duration of personal jurisdiction.
Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of this State in a proceeding under this part or other law of this State relating to a support order continues as long as a tribunal of this State has continuing exclusive jurisdiction to modify the tribunal's order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce the tribunal's order as provided by sections 7205 (relating to continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support orders), 7206 (relating to continuing jurisdiction to enforce child support orders) and 7211 (relating to continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal support order).
(Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
2015 Amendment.
Act 94 added section 7202.1.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS › Chapter 72 - Jurisdiction › Section 7203 - Initiating and responding tribunal of this State

§ 7203. Initiating and responding tribunal of this State.
Under this part, a tribunal of this State may serve as an initiating tribunal to forward proceedings to a tribunal of another state and as a responding tribunal for proceedings initiated in another state or a foreign country.
(Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)