Requires investigation of all reports of child abuse made to the statewide central register of child abuse by hospitals, or medical or law enforcement personnel

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends paragraph (b) of subdivision 2 of section 422 of the Social Services Law to require that when a person who is required to make a telephone call to report of child abuse and maltreatment and who is a: physician; nurse; hospital personnel engaged in the examination, care or treatment of persons; registered physician's assistant; or social worker or psychologist; or a law enforcement official, then that call should be immediately referred to the appropriate child protective service for investigation.

Section 2: Adds a new subdivision 9-a to section 424 of the Social Services Law to provide that the child protective service of each county establish procedures for communication and cooperation with local hospitals and law enforcement to better protect the interest of at risk children.

Section 3: Effective date.

Existing law

Current law requires that all calls alleging child abuse and maltreatment from mandated reporters be screened by the State Central Registry before they can be referred for investigation. Current law is silent regarding the establishment of formal and informal practices and procedure for cooperation and communication with local hospitals and law enforcement who are involved with the child protective service at the "front lines" of protecting children at risk in our communities.

Justification

Currently, there is a lack of clarity in the law as to the responsibilities of hospital and law enforcement professionals who work together with the child protective services in coordinating resources, sharing information and providing follow up services and

support to children at risk for abuse. Unfortunately, as a direct result of such ambiguities, there have been breakdowns in our governmental system that is supposed protect children, leading to injury, and ultimately the tragic death of abused children. This bill is an attempt to build better bridges of communication and cooperation between public servants and medical providers who have the best knowledge of how to identify and combat child abuse in our communities.

Legislative history

S.2016 of 2014: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.2016 of 2013: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.6115 of 2012: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.468 of 2008: Died in Senate Rules, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.468 of 2007: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.269 of 2006: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.269 of 2005: Died in Senate Social Services, Children and Families S.4759-A of 2004: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.4759-A of 2003: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families A.1486 of 2002: Died in Assembly Children and Families A.1486 of 2001: Died in Assembly Children and Families S.1257 of 2000: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.1257 of 1999: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.1483 of 1998: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.1483 of 1997: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families S.6091-A of 1996: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Children and Families

Fiscal implications

Minimal to local CPS. The required policies should already be a part of good casework practice.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.