Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation in Pennsylvania

This research reviewed more than 2,000 Pennsylvania Children and Youth Services (CYS) reports of child sexual abuse or sexual exploitation from 2016 and 2017 across 10 Pennsylvania counties. The research was conducted initially to understand the characteristics of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), and how it is identified and investigated by CYS caseworkers.

The research identified challenges in multiple steps of the CYS process, from the initial screening of child abuse reports to the actions of the State Commonwealth Court. Ultimately, the research turned into a more thorough review of reporting and investigative practices in child sexual abuse and exploitation cases.