GATHERING FORENSIC EVIDENCE
Social Service Law Article 6, Title 6, Section 416, states:
Any person or official required to report cases of suspected child abuse and maltreatment may take or cause to be taken, at public expense, photographs of the areas of trauma visible on a child who is subject to report, and if medically indicated, cause to be performed a radiological examination on the child. Any photographs or X-rays taken shall be sent to Child Protective Services at the time the report is sent, or as soon thereafter as possible. Whenever such person is required to report under this title in his capacity as a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility, or agency or his designated agent, who shall then take or cause to be taken, at public expense, color photographs of visible trauma and shall, if medically indicated, cause to be performed a radiological examination of the child.
In New York State, parents or guardians must give permission for a minor child to be photographed unless suspected child abuse has been reported to the Statewide Central Register. If photographs will be needed, it is a good idea to inform the child or adolescent and encourage them to participate in the process.
Photographs are another form of medical documentation that can provide objective, visual documentation of abuse. There should be a protocol for releasing the photos after a formal request, and a chain of custody may be necessary as well.