The Child Protective Services Act of 1973 established the SCR as the primary recipient of calls regarding suspected abuse and maltreatment of children in New York State. Trained Child Protective Specialists receive calls through the toll-free telephone lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year [Social Services Law (SSL) §422(2)(a)].
Calls to the SCR come through the:
- Mandated Reporter Line (1-800-635-1522)
- Public Line (1-800-342-3720)
- Mandated Reporter Fax Line (1-800-635-1554)
- Hearing Impaired TTY Line (1-800-638-5163)
The SCR is equipped to receive calls from those who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) on either the public or mandated reporter line by use of a telephone language interpretation service. SCR functions as a single contact for reporting child abuse or maltreatment while child protective services (CPS) offices are found in each local department of social services.
Within 48 hours of an oral report, mandated reporters must file a signed, written report called: Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Maltreatment (LDSS-2221A). If as a mandated reporter you believe that a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.
While anyone may make a report of suspected abuse, reports made by mandated reporters are more likely to be registered—accepted by the SCR for further investigation. It is likely because of better reporting based on training and professional awareness.
For more information see: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cps/manual/.
New York Mandated Reporters | |
|---|---|
The following persons are mandated to report or cause a report to be made when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child coming before them in their professional capacity is an abused or maltreated child [SSL §413(1)(a)]. (List periodically revised and updated through legislation) | |
Any physician Registered physician assistant Surgeon Medical Examiner Coroner Dentist Dental hygienist Osteopath Optometrist Chiropractor Podiatrist Resident Intern Psychologist Registered nurse Social Worker Emergency medical technician Licensed creative arts therapist Social services worker (See Section A.2, Reporting requirement applicable to social services workers only of this chapter for special requirements applicable to social services workers only) Employee of a publicly funded emergency shelter for families with children Director of a children's overnight camp, summer day camp or traveling summer day camp, as such camps are defined in Section 1392 of the Public Health Law Day care center worker School-age child-care worker Provider of family or group family day care | Licensed marriage and family therapist Licensed mental health counselor Licensed psychoanalyst Licensed behavior analyst Certified behavior analyst assistant Hospital personnel engaged in the admission, examination, care, or treatment of persons A Christian Science practitioner School official, which includes, but is not limited to, any school administrator, teacher, psychologist, social worker, nurse, guidance Counselor, or other school personnel required to hold a teaching or administrative license or certificate Full- or part-time compensated school employee required to hold a temporary coaching license or professional coaching certificate Employee or volunteer in a residential care facility for children that is licensed, certified, or operated by OCFS Mental health professional Substance abuse counselor Alcoholism counselor All persons credentialed by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Peace officer Police officer District attorney or assistant district attorney Investigator employed in the office of a district attorney Other law enforcement official |
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