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You can report suspected child abuse through the phone, any time of the day or night. There are separate numbers to call based on whether or not you are a mandated reporter, such as a police officer, doctor, teacher, or other professional required to report child abuse to the State Central Registry.
The general public should call 1-800-342-3720, while mandated reporters should call 1-800-635-1522 and submit a written report.
If you are not a mandated reporter, you can use the number anonymously and simply provide information about the child involved, where they live, and the nature of the abuse.
Once the report is called in, the Administration for Children Services (ACS) will investigate it. They’ll talk to the parents or other accused person, talk to the child, and interview teachers, doctors, and other adults who work with the child.
The ACS will then come to a decision as to whether they feel the abuse report is true and credible or unfounded and false.
The role of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to protect children by investigating actions of neglect or abuse. They’ll investigate the report and determine whether they think the allegations are true or false. If they’re false, the case will be closed. If the allegations are true, CPS can do several things.
CPS could have parents or caregivers enroll in services such as parenting classes, anger management, drug treatment, or mental health treatment. They will oversee the case for a while, and if they feel the issues have been resolved, the case will be closed.
In more serious cases, CPS can file a petition in family court, resulting in either a judge ordering the parent to enroll in services or ordering the child to be removed from the home entirely.
When children are removed from a home, they are placed in foster care, and their parents will be required to complete services or treatment programs to have their children returned to them.
Unfortunately, if enough time goes by (usually about 18 months) and parents do not complete the court-ordered services, they may see their parental rights terminated by the court. Their child is then put up for adoption and hopefully adopted by a caring, responsible couple or adult.
When reporting child abuse, you will need to provide…
CPS will then investigate the information they receive from you in person.
Absolutely. It’s not uncommon for concerned neighbors or family members to wish to make reports anonymously for fear of the parent of the abused or neglected child finding out.
While the receptionist on the other end of the hotline may request your name and contact information, you are not obligated to give it unless you are a mandated reporter (such as a doctor, teacher, or therapist).
Mandated reporters must submit a written, signed statement after reporting abuse, though any personal information you submit as a mandated reporter will be kept confidential.
After a report is filed, the Administration for Children Services assigns a caseworker to the incident who will contact and interview the parent or guardian and interview the child if they are old enough. The caseworker will also interview teachers, doctors, and anyone else in the child’s life who might be aware of possible abuse or neglect.
If they feel the abuse allegations are false, they will close the case. If they feel the allegations are true, they can continue working with the family and provide services or will file a neglect or abuse petition in family court.
For more information on Child Abuse In New York, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (718) 557-9767 today.
Attorney Jeffrey Johnson is a knowledgeable attorney serving New York. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients just like you report abuse, understand how the law protects children, and navigate family law compassionately and effectively.
Have questions, or in need of excellent legal help? Reach out to the Law Office of Jeffrey W. Johnson at (718) 557-9767 for an initial consultation today.
