LEARNING OUTCOME AND OBJECTIVES:  Upon completion of this course, you will have gained the knowledge to identify and report child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment. Specific learning objectives to address potential knowledge gaps include:

• Understand the impacts of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
• Identify protective factors against trauma.
• Discuss implicit bias and its relationship to child welfare.
• Summarize New York definitions pertaining to child abuse and maltreatment.
• Recognize indicators of child maltreatment and abuse, including in a virtual setting.
• Describe New York State reporting requirements, including calling the SCR and filing the Form LDSS-2221A.
• Discuss the legal protections afforded mandated reporters and the consequences for failing to report.

INTRODUCTION

The abuse or maltreatment of children is against the law. The government has a responsibility to protect children when parents or other persons legally responsible for a child’s care fail to provide proper care and to intervene in cases of child abuse or maltreatment. Likewise, healthcare professionals have a responsibility to recognize and report suspected child abuse and maltreatment.

In New York, Child Protective Services (CPS) operates in each county and is required to investigate child abuse and maltreatment reports; to protect children (anyone under 18 years old) from further abuse or maltreatment; and to provide rehabilitative services to children, parents, and other family members involved.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) maintains the Statewide Central Register (SCR) of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (which is a 24-hour hotline). The SCR receives calls alleging child abuse or maltreatment within New York State and relays information to the local CPS for investigation, monitors their prompt response, and identifies whether there are prior child abuse or maltreatment reports.

Certain persons are required by law (mandated) to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the SCR. Nonmandated reporters, including the public, may also contact the SCR. Examples of mandated reporters include, but are not limited to:

• Medical and hospital personnel
• School officials
• Social service workers
• Childcare workers
• Residential care workers and volunteers
• Law enforcement personnel
  (NYS OCFS, n.d.-a)

Mandated reporters are legally obligated to call the SCR only in certain circumstances (see “What Situations Require That a Report Be Made?” later in this course).

In other instances, families in crisis may not meet the legal criteria required to call the SCR. When a mandated reporter finds a family in crisis and the children are not in imminent danger of harm, it is best to assess the situation to see if the family could benefit by being connected to community services in their area. Such resources include:

• HEARS Family Line, 888-55HEARS (544-3277) (Help, Empower, Advocate, Reassure and Support): Resources and referrals to services such as food, clothing, housing, childcare, parenting education, and more, available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with messages in 12 languages
• Child Welfare and Community Services: Online listing of resources and available services, at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cwcs/aces.php
• NY Project Hope: Emotional support, including the Emotional Support Helpline (1-844-863-9314), online wellness groups, and online listing of supportive resources, at https://NYProjectHope.org
• New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence: Online listing of resources for those experiencing, or survivors of, domestic violence, at https://opdv.ny.gov/survivors-victims
• Prevent Child Abuse New York: Prevention and parent helpline (1-800-CHILDREN), confidential and multilingual, including referrals to caregivers to community-based services, available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
• 2-1-1 (operated by the United Way): Health and human services information, referrals, assessments, and crisis support, multilingual and available 24 hours a day
  (NYS OCFS, 2022)

(See “Resources” at the end of this course for a link to the “Summary Guide for Mandated Reporters.”)