Dauphin County vs. Department of Public Welfare

Outcome: Ruling in favor of Dauphin County, my client

Description: In a case of first impression in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth Court ruled that child abuse investigation records are confidential and may not be generally disclosed. The ruling set the threshold for keeping the private nature of the sensative issue surrounding victims of child abuse (physical, sexual or mental) very high. The result of this ruling is consistent with the child protective services law and ultimately protects children.