The Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

New York state maintains a registry of those suspected of child abuse. You can be placed in this registry even if you have not been arrested. You have a right to a hearing if an ACS worker has placed you in this registry. ACS workers will usually place you in this system even if they find no evidence of child abuse in order to protect their jobs. This is one of the most abused systems in New York. If you have received a letter stating that you have been "indicated" for child abuse, contact us at 917-519-8417 and let us represent you at the hearing.

The purpose of the Child Protective Services Act of 1973 is to encourage more complete reporting of child abuse and maltreatment. The law established a Child Protective Service in each county in New York. Each Child Protective Service is required to investigate child abuse and maltreatment reports, to protect children (under 18 years old) from further abuse or maltreatment, and to provide rehabilitative services to children, parents, and other family members involved.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services maintains a Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment for reports made pursuant to the Social Services Law.

The Central Register, also known as the "Hotline", receives telephone calls alleging child abuse or maltreatment within New York State. The Central Register relays information from the calls to the local Child Protective Service for investigation, monitors their prompt response, and identifies if there are prior child abuse or maltreatment reports.

Among those who are mandated to make reports are:

medical and hospital personnel
school officials
social service workers
child care workers
residential care workers and volunteers, and
law enforcement personnel.