What Happens When Abuse is Reported?

Each state has slightly different reporting mechanisms and follow-up procedures. If you are unsure about the procedures in your area, contact your state or local child/family services department.

In New York State, when a call is placed to the State Central Registry for Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR), the call taker at the SCR will determine whether the report meets the requirements for an investigation. The requirements in New York State for a report to be accepted are: a perpetrator who is a parent or other person legally responsible for a child; a victim who is physically under the age of 18 years old; and an allegation of child abuse or neglect. In New York City, the SCR will transmit the call to the Administration for Children's Services (ACS). ACS will assign a child protective specialist to the case, who will contact the child's family within 24 hours. Within 60 days, an investigation will be conducted that will determine whether there is credible evidence of abuse or neglect.

During that investigation, the child protective specialist will conduct home visits, review the family's history with ACS, and interview the child, siblings, family members and others close to the child, such as doctors, teachers and neighbors. ACS will also contact the person who made the initial call, if possible.

Calls to the State Central Registry may be anonymous, although it is recommended that you provide your name so that the child protective specialist can contact you for additional information or clarification. By law, ACS may not release the name of anyone reporting child abuse to anyone other than court officials, police and district attorneys.

It is important to note that not every report of child abuse results in the removal of a child from his or her home, even when credible evidence of abuse or neglect has been found. Only those children who cannot remain safely at home are placed in foster care. Many families receive services that help children remain safely in the home while their parents or caregivers get the help they need.