Note: This information does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with attorneys who are knowledgeable and experienced regarding specific applicability of these listed laws, based on their own circumstances.
New York
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
CHURCH GUIDELINES
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of New York
New York law defines child abused as a person under 18 years whose physical or mental condition has been harmed or placed at imminent risk of harm by the acts or omissions of a parent, guardian, custodian, or other person legally responsible for the child’s care. This includes serious physical injury, sexual abuse, neglect (failure to provide proper care or supervision), and other maltreatment.
(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway, New York State Senate Family Court Act § 1012)
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
In New York, clergy are not listed among those mandated to report except for Christian Science Practitioners. However, any person (including clergy) is permitted to make a report if they have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect.
(Source: New York State Senate Social Services Law § 413, and § 414)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
In the state of New York, mandated reporters include a number of professionals, including medical care providers, licensed mental health professionals, school officials/staff, attorneys, counselors, camp directors, etc. However, any person may report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Mandated reporters must immediately make an oral or online report, all oral reports must be followed with a written report within 48 hours of the report being made.
Mandated reporters are also obligated to take or cause to be taken pictures and x-rays of any visible trauma on the child who is the subject of the report. If the reporter is a staff member of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility, or agency, they must immediately notify the person in change of such institution who then must take or cause to be taken pictures/x-rays of any visible trauma on the child.
Failure to report as a mandator reporter may result in a Class A misdemeanor.
(Source: New York Senate Social Services Law § 413, § 414, § 415, § 416, § 420 )
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
New York State Statutory Definitions:
- Child: someone who is actually or apparently under the age of 18 years old
- Abandoned child: a child who is abandoned by their parents/the parent with custody, or any other person(s) lawfully charged with their care/custody
- Neglected child: a child whose physical/mental/emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired as a result of the failure of their parent/person legally responsible for their care to exercise
a minimum degree of care; including supplying adequate food, clothing, medical care, supervision, etc. Or a child that has been abandoned by their parents. - Abused child: a child whose parent(s)/persons in charge of their care inflicts or allows to be inflicted/creates or allows to be created the risk of physical injury by non accidental means which causes or creates a substantial risk of death/disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health/loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; or commits or allows to be committed, an act of sexual abuse
While New York law focuses primarily on reporting duties rather than prescribing church-specific safe-environment protocols, best practices for faith-based organizations include training for clergy and volunteers on signs of abuse, background checks, clear internal reporting policies that lead directly to SCR reporting when suspicion arises, and posted information on the SCR hotline for easy access in their facilities.
(Source: New York State Social Services Law § 371)
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
New York lists a broad set of mandated reporters that includes school official, which includes but is not limited to school teacher, school guidance counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, school nurse, school administrator 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 etc. This applies in both public and private (including religious) schools. In addition, any person with reasonable cause to suspect abuse can make a report to the SCR even if not statutorily mandated.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
In the state of New York, mandated reporters include a number of professionals, including medical care providers, licensed mental health professionals, school officials/staff, attorneys, counselors, camp directors, etc. However, any person may report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Mandated reporters must immediately make an oral or online report, all oral reports must be followed with a written report within 48 hours of the report being made.
Mandated reporters are also obligated to take or cause to be taken pictures and x-rays of any visible trauma on the child who is the subject of the report. If the reporter is a staff member of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility, or
agency, they must immediately notify the person in change of such institution who then must take or cause to be taken pictures/x-rays of any visible trauma on the child.
Failure to report as a mandator reporter may result in a Class A misdemeanor.
(Source: New York Senate Social Services Law § 413, § 414, § 415, § 416, § 420, Education (EDN) CHAPTER 16, TITLE 1)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
New York State Statutory Definitions:
- Child: someone who is actually or apparently under the age of 18 years old
- Abandoned child: a child who is abandoned by their parents/the parent with custody, or any other person(s) lawfully charged with their care/custody
- Neglected child: a child whose physical/mental/emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired as a result of the failure of their parent/person legally responsible for their care to exercise
a minimum degree of care; including supplying adequate food, clothing, medical care, supervision, etc. Or a child that has been abandoned by their parents. - Abused child: a child whose parent(s)/persons in charge of their care inflicts or allows to be inflicted/creates or allows to be created the risk of physical injury by non accidental means which causes or creates a substantial risk of death/disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health/loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; or commits or allows to be committed, an act of sexual abuse
Schools should apply the statutory definitions (serious physical injury or risk, sexual abuse, neglect, maltreatment) when evaluating concerns. State education guidance requires that schools provide mandated-reporter training and written statements about reporting procedures to all school personnel; annual or periodic training is part of adhering to reporting expectations.
(Source: New York State Social Services Law § 371, Education (EDN) CHAPTER 16, TITLE 1, ARTICLE 23-B)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in New York
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Reports of suspected child abuse or maltreatment in New York are referred to the Statewide Central Register (SCR) of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, which accepts calls 24/7 (hotline: 1-800-342-3720; specialized number for mandated reporters 1-800-635-1522). Child protective services units then screen and investigate reports.
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Reporter confidentiality and immunity from civil/criminal liability when reporting in good faith are statutory protections.
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Failure by a mandated reporter to report suspected child abuse or neglect can be a Class A misdemeanor, and civil liability for damages may apply for harm caused by non-reporting; false reporting also may have penalties under separate statutes.
(Source: SCR hotline and process (OCFS/SSL))
How to make a report in the state of New York
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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New York Statewide Central Register (SCR) of Child Abuse and Maltreatment:
Mandated Reporters Phone: 1-800-635-1522
General Public Phone: 1-800-342-3720
— Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. -
Emergency or immediate danger? Call 911 or local law enforcement first.
After Making the Call:
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If you are a mandated reporter, following an oral report you must submit a written report within 48 hours.
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Use Form LDSS-2221A (Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Maltreatment).
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Send the form to the local CPS office in the county where the child lives.
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The SCR will review the report and, if it meets criteria, assign it for investigation by local child protective specialists.
Information to Provide (as known):
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Child’s name, age, and address or location
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Details of the suspected abuse or neglect — what was observed, heard, or disclosed (injuries, neglect, unsafe conditions, etc.)
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Names of parents/caregivers and any alleged perpetrators, if known
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Any immediate safety or medical concerns
Who Should Report / Legal Duty:
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Any person who suspects abuse or neglect may report.
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Mandated reporters (such as teachers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, social workers, childcare providers, etc.) must report when they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect.
Protections & Confidentiality:
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Reports made in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability.
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The identity of the reporter is kept confidential except by court order or written consent.
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
In a world where child protection is paramount, ECAP is elevating child protection standards, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment in Christian ministries.
Every aspect of life adheres to specific standards – whether it be technology, education, finances, or industry practices.
In Jesus’ teachings, He imparted immense value to children, emphasizing the significance of their well-being. Reflecting on this profound truth, a compelling question emerges: Shouldn’t child protection be upheld to an even higher standard than these other areas, considering the blessing of children?
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Information updated on 5.6.2026
