The process usually begins with ACS being alerted to alleged child abuse by a teacher, parent, doctor or other party. Once ACS receives a complaint they will follow up. They will contact the parents and attempt to interview the child and parent about the abuse. ACS will do multiple interviews of the parent and the child.
If the ACS worker finds that the abuse is putting the child in danger they will file a petition with the Family Court and try to remove the child from the home. It is important to know that ACS does not record the interviews with the parents or the child. This allows them to change their position if the case goes to court.
If you have been contacted by an ACS worker, DO NOT SPEAK to them. Contact us at at 917-519-8417 and let us protect your rights!
Reports of child abuse and neglect can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the New York State Central Register (SCR) Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline. All calls are confidential. The SCR relays calls to ACS to begin an investigation when appropriate. When making a report, you will be asked for the following information:
Call the NYS Central Register Child Abuse & Maltreatment Hotline to Report Child Abuse and Neglect
General Public:
1-800-342-3720. In NYC, call 311
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Mandated Reporters: 1-800-635-1522
If you are a Mandated Reporter, you are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.
If you need information or help, call: Prevention Information and Parent Helpline at 1-800-342-7472. The Helpline is a program of Prevent Child Abuse NY
Important!
All allegations of abuse or neglect must be called in to this Hotline. ACS cannot accept calls directly, nor can allegations be accepted by e-mail. Please note that false reporting is a crime.
Studies have shown that neighbors can reduce violence and crime in a community simply by increasing their awareness and working together. Similarly, neighbors can help stop child abuse and neglect.
Here are some things you can do to make children and families safe and secure in your neighborhood:
Understand the causes and effects of abuse and neglect. If you know a parent who is under stress, encourage them to seek help. To locate a parenting program that can provide guidance and support, call the Prevention Information and Parent Helpline at 1-800-342-7472. The Helpline is a program of Prevent Child Abuse NY
Learn to identify the warning signs of child abuse and neglect. Abuse can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Neglect is the failure by a caretaker to provide a child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, or emotional support.
To learn more, call ACS’s Division of Neighborhood Based Services (NBS) at 212-341-3060 and ask for a copy of the Parents’ Guide to New York State Child Welfare Laws. NBS can also send a representative to speak in your community about child abuse and neglect.
Report any known or suspected case that you observe. Reporting abuse can protect children from further harm and help a family address its problems. All reports are confidential and may be made anonymously.
