PA: What lawful options exist when repeated reports don’t stop concerning online contact with minors?
Location: Pennsylvania
Trying to keep this vague for confidentiality reasons.
I work for a company that supports adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and other mental health conditions. There are currently serious concerns involving two individuals who repeatedly seek out illegal sexual content involving minors online and allegedly communicate with minors through social media/live apps.
One of the individuals reportedly has a prior history involving inappropriate contact with a minor. Multiple reports have already been made to ChildLine and law enforcement. Devices have been confiscated before and later returned. Despite ongoing concerns, staff are being told there are limits on what restrictions can legally be placed because internet/device restrictions may be considered “rights restrictions.”
The individuals lost access to company-provided internet, but they continue purchasing their own phones/services with their own government funds.
My concern is that minors may still be at risk, especially because children have allegedly contacted the home phone asking for one of the individuals after online interactions.
I do NOT want to violate confidentiality laws or get myself in legal trouble. I also do not want to involve internet vigilantes or social media “predator catcher” groups if that could interfere with investigations or violate privacy laws, even though it is frustrating feeling like existing reporting channels are not resulting in meaningful intervention.
What lawful options are available in Pennsylvania for staff in this type of situation? Is there a point where APS, probation/parole, OMHSAS/ODP, licensing agencies, or another authority can intervene if current measures are not preventing ongoing risky behavior online?
I’m mainly trying to understand what additional reporting or escalation channels are legally available, since the county isn't taking any action. When I mentioned that a doctor advises we do this when they engage in CP to notify ChildLine, I was told there are no established parameters, so it’s unclear what would be considered as the inappropriate content. What can be done legally?
Thank you
*none have been prosecuted or legally deemed as pedophiles due to their IDD at current