Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse
Carolyn Hornik
There may come a time when an educator might suspect a child has been abused, maltreated, or neglected. The New York City Department of
Education has strict guidelines for reporting of suspected child abuse. If an educator suspects abuse, it is mandatory, as per these guidelines, to report the suspected abuse.
The Law
“A child is considered abused or maltreated if the child is less than 18 years old (21 years old or less if placed in a residential placement), if a parent or other person legally responsible for
the child’s care, harms the child, creates substantial risk of harm, or fails to exercise a minimum degree of care to protect the child.”
Reporting Procedures
All pedagogical and non-pedagogical employees of the New York City Department of Education are mandated to report suspected child abuse, immediately to a principal, office head of a non-school site,
or designee, a member of a Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Team. When notified by school personnel, a principal has the primary responsibility to report suspected abuse cases to New York
State Central Register for Child Abuse and Maltreatment, (SCR), in Albany. Reporters need only to have reasonable suspicion of child abuse, maltreatment or neglect to file a report. A reporter does
not have to possess certainty before a report is made.
Reports can be telephoned to 1-800-635-1522.
Signs of Suspected Abuse
Note: Any of the following signs are not always a result of abuse, maltreatment, or neglect and may be detected in children who have not been abused, maltreated or neglected. Educators, however, should
be aware of and take note of the following behavior in students:
unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
black eyes
broken bones
bite marks
poor self esteem
inability to love or trust others
aggression or disruptive behavior
intense anger or rage
acting out in the classroom
acting out sexually
self-destructive behavior, self-abusive behavior, or suicidal behavior
sadness, passiveness, withdrawn behavior, or depression
difficulty forming new relationships
drug or alcohol abuse
not wanting to go home after school
fear of certain adults
secretiveness
apathy
hostility
lack of concentration
eating disorders
unsuitable clothing for weather
dirty appearance or evidence of being unbathed
extreme hunger
apparent lack of supervision
If any of the above are detected, an educator may have reasonable suspicion of abuse, maltreatment, or neglect and is mandated to report
these observations to the school principal.
Related Liability
Any school employee, making a report, in good faith, will have immunity from liability, civil, or criminal, which might result from such action.
Under Social Service Law, the willful and/or knowing failure to report child abuse, may result in criminal action, civil liability and/or
Board disciplinary action against the employee.
The above information and additional information regarding mandated reporting, may be found at:
Any questions may be addressed to:
Citywide Coordinator Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Program
110 Livingston Street, Room 502
Brooklyn, New York 11201
or by calling 1-718-935-4058.
Please note: As I am not an abuse expert, I am not a contact person. If you wish to report suspected abuse contact the agencies
mentioned in the article or your school administrator or guidance staff.
