In memory of our beloved sister, Malinda Hoagland, whose life was tragically cut short at the hands of our father and his girlfriend, we are calling for change. This brutal act of violence could have been prevented if the signs of prior abuse and neglect had not been overlooked. Despite numerous signs of danger, mandated reporters failing to report, and caseworkers not conducting thorough investigations. This devastating loss compels us to ensure that no other family has to endure the agony of losing a loved one to preventable circumstances. 

Malinda's tragic story is not unique. Across Pennsylvania, children are at risk because current systems for monitoring potential child abusers remain fractured and ineffective. Her case highlights the urgent need for an improved communication network between county agencies, law enforcement, and child protective services. 

We propose "Malinda’s Law," a new nation-wide registry for individuals with a history of child abuse. This registry would enable real-time communication between agencies whenever a child-related emergency or abuse report involves a prior offender. By strengthening these lines of communication, we aim to protect innocent children from slipping through the cracks of a broken system. 

Statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services show that in 2021 alone, there were over 4,000 substantiated cases of child abuse. Each of these cases represents not just a failure of individual perpetrators, but a systemic failure to protect our most vulnerable citizens. It's time we hold accountable those with a known history of child abuse by ensuring all relevant authorities are aware and can take appropriate action. 

Malinda's Law will ensure that no prior offender can move undetected, and it will arm Pennsylvania's law enforcement, child welfare workers, and mandated reporters with the necessary tools to intervene early, saving lives before it's too late. Such a registry could serve as a deterrent for potential abusers, knowing that their actions are being monitored, thus providing a safer environment for all children. Along with the registry, multiple other proactive policies, procedures, and programs would be incorporated such as:  

Mandated Visual Welfare Checks – it being required when any responding authority (law enforcement, medical personnel, or child welfare investigators) personally confirms the presence and well-being of every child at the residence where their services are rendered, regardless of call type or initial report.  

Enforce Cross-Agency Accountability- Standardize immediate reporting protocols between schools, child protection services, law enforcement, and the courts. While imposing clear timelines for each agency’s response and follow-up actions, with sanctions for unjustified delays.  

Strengthen Mandatory Reporter Training – Required annual, state-certified training for all mandated reporters, educators, healthcare providers, social workers, and law enforcement officers – focused on recognizing subtle and overt indicators of child abuse, trauma-informed engagement, and legal obligations for reporting.  

Join us in honoring Malinda’s memory by advocating for the passage of Malinda’s Law in Pennsylvania. Urge local lawmakers to take a stand and protect children across the state from similar tragic fates. Your signature can make a difference and help save lives by ensuring our children grow up in safer environments. 

Please sign this petition to push for the enactment of Malinda’s Law, a crucial step in safeguarding the lives of children throughout Pennsylvania.