A child is rarely abused only once

Each day, the hope of a child who has been abused or neglected is challenged by the very real prospect that this horrifying experience will happen again … and again … and again.

You can help end the abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused the first step toward protecting the child is to report it immediately.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected Contact the Child Abuse Hotline In New York - 1-800-342-3720 Outside New York - 1-800-422-4453

How to Report Child Abuse

The abuse or maltreatment of children is against the law. In 1973, the Child Protective Services Act was passed to encourage more complete reporting of child abuse and maltreatment by establishing a Child Protective Service (CPS) in each county in New York. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services maintains a statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, also known as the "Hotline", which receives reports concerning maltreated child. Reports are forwarded to local CPS offices for further investigation.

If you have concerns about the safety of a child, you should call the Hotline and report it. Your call does not mean a child will be immediately and dramatically removed from home. It does mean that a qualified investigator will evaluate the situation and take the appropriate action. To make a report, you will need to provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Child's name
• Child's address
• Child's age, sex and race
• Name of parents or guardians responsible for child
• The nature and extent of the child's injury - including any evidence of prior injuries, abuse or maltreatment to the child and/or siblings.
• Any additional information which may be helpful

Including your name and contact information is optional - unless you are a mandated reporter.

Mandated Reporters

Mandated reporters are those individuals who must report whenever they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child they have come into contact with in their professional or official capacity is abused or maltreated.

A mandated reporter is also required to file a report if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child is abused or maltreated when a parent, guardian or custodian or the person legally responsible for the child comes before them in their professional or official capacity and states from personal knowledge, facts, conditions, or circumstances which, if correct, would render the child an abused or maltreated child.

Help keep a child safe today. Report Child Abuse.

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