Relates to required coursework and training in reporting cases of suspected child abuse

Section 2 of the bill amends subdivision 4 of section 3003 of the education law. School superintendents would be required to complete two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment as part of their educational requirements to obtain a license to be a school superintendent. This bill adds to those requirements that such superintendent must receive an additional two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification, and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment every three years.

Section 3 of the bill amends subdivision 2 of section 3004 of the education law. Teachers would be required to complete two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment years as part of their educational requirements to obtain a license to be a school teacher. This bill adds to those requirements that such teacher must receive an additional two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment every three years.

Section 4 of the bill amends section 3007 of the education law. Teachers who have a diploma or certificate from another state would be required to complete two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment as part of their educational requirements to obtain a license to be a school teacher in New York State. This bill adds to those requirements that such teacher must receive an additional two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment every three years.

Section 5 of the bill amends section 413 of the social services law by requiring every person and official named in the section required to report cases of suspected child abuse or maltreatment complete two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment prior to assumption of the position and every three years thereafter. It also requires the office of children and family services to approve and/or establish the required coursework and training.

Section 6: Effective Date.

Justification

The current training for mandated reporters is inadequate, as evidenced by the high number of allegations of child abuse or neglect to be determined to be "unfounded." In addition to a problem with false-negatives, it is believed that there is a significant issue with under-reporting where there is a sufficient suspicion of child maltreatment, but the mandated reporters do not report. Child protection workers then are required to investigate reports that should not have been reported, and not investigate incidences where maltreatment is occurring.

This bill will require mandated reporters to take a refresher course every three years. It is expected that this additional training will result in improved reporting.

This is one in a series of measures being introduced at the request of the Erie County Executive upon the recommendation of the county's Commissioner of Social Services to improve the provision of child protective services to New York's children and families.

Prior legislative history

none

Fiscal impact for state and local governments

Mandated reporters would be required to spend two hours of their time every three years to complete the course. It is expected that this training will be part of the continuing education and in-service training that now takes place for most professions.

Effective date

This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law.