23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 57

in effect

23 Pa.C.S. § 5701 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: "Child." An individual who is under 21 years of age and meets one of the following: (1) The county agency is conducting an assessment of the need for services. (2) The county agency is conducting an investigation of suspected child abuse of the child under Chapter 63 (relating to child protective services). (3) The county agency is providing services to the child. "County agency." As defined in section 6303 (relating to definitions). "Department." The Department of Human Services of the Commonwealth. "Law enforcement." The law enforcement agency which is responsible for investigating cases of missing children under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2908 (relating to missing children). "Sex trafficking victim." As defined under section 475 of the Social Security Act (49 Stat. 620, 42 U.S.C. § 675).

23 Pa.C.S. § 5702 County responsibilities.

(a) Report of possible sex trafficking victims.--A county agency shall report to law enforcement as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 24 hours after receiving information about a child who: (1) the county agency has reasonable cause to suspect of being at risk of being a sex trafficking victim; or (2) the county agency identifies as being a sex trafficking victim. (b) Child missing from residence or abducted.--A county agency shall report to law enforcement and to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as soon as practicable but no later than 24 hours after receiving information about a child who is missing from the child's residence or is abducted. (c) Report to department.--The county agency shall report annually to the department the total number of children who are sex trafficking victims. The report shall be submitted in the form and by the deadline prescribed by the department. Cross References. Section 5702 is referred to in section 5703 of this title.

23 Pa.C.S. § 5703 Law enforcement responsibilities.

When law enforcement receives information from a county agency about a child who is missing from the child's residence or is abducted under section 5702(b) (relating to county responsibilities), law enforcement shall enter the information into the National Crime Information Center database.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=23Fetched: 10/16/2026