Children & Youth

Mission

Our Mission is to provide services which promote safer children, successful adolescents, stronger parents, sound families and supportive communities.

The Wayne County Office of Children and Youth, under Pennsylvania law, is mandated to investigate all reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency of children from birth to age 18 in Wayne County. Our professional staff investigate reports made to the office and work with families, when appropriate, to address conditions which adversely affect a child’s care. The staff works with families directly and also coordinates services with community resources to improve family conditions. In-home services, placement services, and adoption services are integral to the child protective service function.

Wayne County Children and Youth Services complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. 


How to Make a Report of Child Abuse or Neglect

Whether you are someone required by law to report suspected child abuse (mandated reporter) or someone able and encouraged but not required by law to report suspected child abuse (permissive reporter), take action when you have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse.

  • If the child is in immediate danger call 911
  • Call ChildLine: 800-932-0313
  • Contact Wayne County Children and Youth Services at 570-253-5102 or toll-free at 800-620-5102.
  • Mandated reporters may file an electronic report of suspected child abuse through the Child Welfare Portal

Are You a Mandated or Permissive Reporter in Need of Training?

There is a free three-hour training course available. It provides information on the recognition of child maltreatment and your obligation or opportunity to report suspicions of abuse. It also details the procedures for making a report of child maltreatment. The training meets the requirements of Act 31 and Act 126.

If you still have questions about Child Abuse reporting, call the Wayne County Children and Youth Services office at 570-253-5102


Become A Foster Parent

Wayne County foster children need Wayne County foster homes. Many children, from birth to 21 years of age, are currently in the custody of Wayne County Children and Youth Services. These children need safe, stable, loving foster homes. If you have room in your heart and room in your home, please consider becoming a foster parent. If you are interested in Wayne in learning more about our program, please contact Wayne County Children and Youth Services at 570-253-5102.

Learn More About Foster Parenting

Employment Opportunities

All positions at Wayne County Children and Youth Services are regulated by the State Civil Service Commission, which means you would need to take a test for the appropriate position to get on a certified hiring list. If you are interested in employment contact the Division of Test Administration at the Bureau of Talent Acqusition to get the information needed in order to test for those positions.