Guidelines on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Local departments of social services in New York State are the legally designated agencies with responsibility for the protection of children. All situations of children in need of protection because of suspected child abuse and maltreatment should be reported to the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Register over its toll-free statewide telephone number, 1-800-342-3720.

• Mandated reporters use the Mandated Reporter’s Hotline, 1-800-635-1522.
• Please see Who Should Report, How to Report and FAQ's on Reporting.

To determine whether you should file a report, please see the page on Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect.