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1. Where do I call to make a report?

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated you would call the State Central Registry (SCR). The SCR is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive your call. The telephone numbers are:
Mandated Reporter………(800) 635-1522
Public Hotline……………(800) 342-3720
If the report is accepted, the SCR will assign the report to the County where the maltreated child(ren) and parents/guardians live. A Child Protective Services Caseworker (CPS) is then assigned to investigate the report. As the source of the report, you can expect a telephone call from the assigned CPS caseworker within the first 24 hours.

2. What can I expect when I am the subject of a Child Protective Report?

The assigned CPS caseworker is required to initiate an investigation within 24 hours. You can expect a telephone call or home visit from the assigned CPS caseworker within that time. The CPS caseworker will need to interview you and all other members of your home including the maltreated child(ren), all other children living or frequenting your household, all biological parents, and others who have information about your family which would assist the caseworker in completing the investigation. The CPS caseworker is also required to make a visit to your home. The Department has 60 days to complete the investigation. During that time the CPS caseworker will complete an assessment of needed services for you and your family. You may be referred to community services or preventive services that the Department offers. In cases where children are unsafe or the risk that children will be unsafe is high, court action may be taken. This could include a court order for preventive services or in the most serious cases, a court order that places the children with alternative caretakers that could include a suitable relative or foster care.
If there is some credible evidence found to support the allegations of the report, then we indicate the report. An indicated report will stay on file in the system until the youngest child in the household is 28 years of age.
If there is no credible evidence to support the allegations in a report, then the report is designated unfounded and is sealed and retained for 10 years after receipt of the report.

3. How do I get a report amended from indicated to unfounded?

If you are have been indicated in a CPS report and you believe there was not credible evidence to support that finding, you can write to the New York State Central Registry to request that the report be amended from indicated to unfounded. The address is as follows:
New York State Department of Social Services
State Central Register
PO Box 4480
Albany, NY 12204-0480
The request should include your full name, the name(s) of the child(ren) named in the report, your address and the child(ren)’s address if different, and the New York State Registry number which can be found on the upper right hand corner of the letter notifying you of the determination of the report.
Once the State Central Registry received your request they will conduct an administrative review to determine if there was some credible evidence to support the findings. You will receive a letter from the State Central Registry of their determination. If some credible evidence is found to support the indication of the report, you can request a fair hearing which will be explained in the letter that you receive.