Section 47.55. Immunity from liability

Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6318 (relating to immunity from liability) a licensed social worker who participates in good faith in the making of a report, cooperating with an investigation, testifying in a proceeding arising out of an instance of suspected child abuse or the taking of photographs shall have immunity from civil and criminal liability that might result by reason of the licensed social worker’s actions. For the purpose of any civil or criminal proceeding, the good faith of the licensed social worker shall be presumed. The Board will uphold the same good faith presumption in any disciplinary proceeding that might result by reason of a licensed social worker’s actions in participating in good faith in the making of a report, cooperating with an investigation, testifying in a proceeding arising out of an instance of suspected child abuse or the taking of photographs.

The provisions of this § 47.55 adopted November 8, 1996, effective November 9, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 5435.

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 47.55 issued under the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa.C.S. § 6383(b)(2); and section 6 of the Social Workers’ Practice Act (63 P. S. § 1906).

Cross References

This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 47.51 (relating to definitions relating to child abuse reporting requirements); and 49 Pa. Code § 47.79 (relating to mandatory reporting).