Child Protection
Notice
If you suspect that a child under the age of 18 is being abused, neglected, or maltreated, call 800-342-3720 immediately.
Child Protective Services (CPS)
Child Protective Services is the only government entity that is required to investigate child abuse and maltreatment reports within families to protect children (under 18 years old) from further abuse or maltreatment and to provide rehabilitative services to children, parents, and other family members involved. Reports of child abuse and maltreatment are called into the New York State Central Registry (SCR), also known as the Hotline and then the Hotline relays the information from the calls to the local Child Protective Services unit for investigation. The Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week - even on holidays. If you suspect that a child under age 18 is being abused, neglected, or maltreated, then call the Hotline at 800-342-3720. After the local Child Protective Services unit receives the report from the Hotline, it initiates an investigation within 24 hours to assess the immediate safety of the child(ren) and then to examine the allegations of maltreatment in each report. Child Protective Services works to preserve and stabilize family life whenever possible.
Who Are Mandated Reporters?
CPS reports come from two sources: persons who are required by law - or mandated - to report suspected cases of child abuse and maltreatment; and calls from non-mandated reporters, including the public.
Some of the professionals who are mandated to make reports are:
- Childcare workers
- Law enforcement personnel
- Medical and hospital personnel
- Residential care workers and volunteers
- School officials
- Social services workers