NY: Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect for Mandated ReportersPage 10 of 11

8. Conclusion

Child abuse and maltreatment or neglect are serious problems that affect people from all walks of life all across the country. “During 2014, the [New York] SCR hotline received 294,356 calls, which resulted in 156,515 reports being electronically transmitted to LDSSs [local departments of social services] for further action. The SCR handled 262,000 Database Check Clearance requests, 8,000 Administrative Review requests and received 12,000 Requests for Information” (NYOCFS, 2014).

The impact of child abuse and neglect is often discussed in terms of physical, psychological, behavioral, or societal consequences; in reality, however, it is impossible to separate them completely. Physical consequences such as damage to a child’s growing brain can have psychological implications such as cognitive delays or emotional difficulties. Psychological problems often manifest as high-risk behavior. Depression and anxiety may make a person more likely to smoke, abuse drugs or alcohol, or overeat. High-risk behaviors, in turn, can lead to long-term physical health problems such as sexually transmitted infections, cancer, or obesity. Furthermore, children who are abused are at increased risk of abusing their own children (CWIG, 2013).

The State of New York requires that certain professionals intercede on behalf of the helpless victims of child abuse by making an official report when they have reasonable cause to suspect that such abuse may be taking place. These professionals, called mandated reporters, are in a unique position to help interrupt the complex and damaging cycle of violence that results from child abuse and maltreatment/neglect.

Resources

New York State Office of Children and Family Services

52 Washington Street
Rensselaer, New York 12144-2834
To report abuse or neglect
      800 342 3720
      TDD/TTY: 800 638 5163
Justice Center
      855 373 2122

Prevent Child Abuse New York

4 Global View
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: 518 880 3592
Fax: 518 880 3566
Parent Helpline: 1-800-CHILDREN (800 244 5373) (9am–10pm daily)
http://www.preventchildabuseny.org
Provides information and resources for kids, parents, and concerned citizens.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/index.html

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Topics: Child Abuse and Neglect, Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect, Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
http://www.childwelfare.gov

Back Next