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Frequently Asked Questions


1. How do I make a referral to the agency?

Referrals may be made to the agency by calling 451-6600 during normal working hours (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.) During hours the agency is closed, emergency referrals may be made by calling 451-1503. Referrals may also be made to Childline, the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Registry, 24-hours a day by calling 1-800-932-0313. The TDD is also available for referrals at 451-6556.

2. How old do my children have to be before they can be left without supervision?

There is no specific age noted in law that identifies when children may be left alone without supervision. Parents or other caretakers must determine when their child is mature enough to stay home alone. Children under the age of 10 certainly need adult supervision.

3. What is the legal age one must be to be a babysitter?

The law has not established "legal" age at which someone may be a babysitter. However, factors to consider when determining if a child is age appropriate include the child's level of maturity, number and ages of children being babysat, special behavior problems of children being babysat, length of time child will be required to babysit, and accessibility of a responsible adult in the event of an emergency.

4. How can I become a foster parent?

If you are interested in "making a difference" in the life of a dependent child by providing a healing, nurturing environment in your home and in your heart, then read on. We are in urgent need of individuals and married couples who have the skills and abilities and the motivation to provide a family foster home for both boys and girls in their teenage years. We are in urgent need of minority families who are willing to become trained foster parents, and families able to work with sibling groups of dependent children. For information on "how to become a foster parent", call (814) 451-6600, and schedule a time to help you start the process of applying for approval as a foster parent. Do it today.

5. How can I get custody of my grandchildren?

All custody matters are handled by Family Court. For more information, contact an attorney or the Erie County Custody Office.

6. What are the signs I should look for if I believe a child is being sexually abused?

A verbal disclosure by the child is the clearest indication that sexual abuse may have occurred. Other behavioral indicators include the onset of withdrawal, fantasy or infantile behavior; bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge; the sudden onset of poor peer relationships and changes in school performance.

7. How can I tell if a child is being physically abused?

Suspicion of physical abuse is warranted when a child sustains unexplained, non-accidental injuries. Common areas for these types of injuries are on the face, torso, back, buttocks, and thighs. When injuries are in various stages of healing it may suggest that the child has been repeatedly abused.

8. What constitutes neglect?

Neglect occurs when a child is not provided with the minimal acceptable level of the essentials of life as a result of an act or failure to act by the parent or caretaker, and which was not the result of something out of the control of the parents or caretakers. The essentials of life include food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, education as required by law, personal care, proper supervision, and protection from physical, sexual or emotional harm.

9. How can I get a job with the Office of Children and Youth?

All positions within the Office of Children and Youth are Civil Service positions. Hiring is done in accordance with the Civil Service Regulations.

10. If I make a referral to the agency, will my name be kept confidential?

Yes, referral sources are guaranteed confidentiality regardless of whether or not they request it. However, when cases of severe physical abuse and/or sexual abuse are reported by the agency to law enforcement, the law requires that the referral source be identified in the law enforcement report. Law enforcement officers are expected to treat the referral source identity in the same manner they treat confidential informants.

11. When is physical discipline child abuse?

When physical discipline results in a physical injury which causes a child severe pain or significantly impairs a child's physical functioning, either temporarily or permanently, it is considered child abuse.