Child abuse and neglect are fightening, traumatic events fortheir victims and for their families. Each state has clearly defined statues and regulations governing the reporting and management of abused and neglected children. Some professionals have a legal responsibility to report suspected child abuse or neglect; this varies in each state. Professionals such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and others, are required by state law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the New York State Central Register 1-800-635-1522.Ê These professionals are called mandated reporters. They are required by New York State law to report suspected child abuse and neglect when he/she has reason to believe a child they are seeing in a professional capacity is being abused or neglected.

In New York State if you suspect or know that a child under the age of 18 years of age is being abused or neglected you can call the New York State Central Register at 1-800-342-3720. In other states you should call the local Child Protective Services agency.

The following is a general list of signs and symptoms to help you identify child abuse and neglect.

Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse/Neglect (including child sexual abuse)

• Physical Abuse/Behavioral Indicators

  • Unexplained bruises, burns, welts, and/or bite marks
  • Unexplained fractures or dislocations
  • Afraid to go home
  • Indiscriminately seeks affection
  • Reports injury by parent(s) and/or caretaker(s)
• Physical Neglect/Behavioral Indicators

  • Underweight, poor growth patterns, failure to thrive
  • Consistent lack of supervision
  • Abandonment
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual behavior/knowledge
  • Attempted suicide
  • Depression/regression
  • Significant decline in school performance

For more information contact a social worker or the following resources:

ChildrenÕs Advocacy Center of Brooklyn
30 Main St. (first floor)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 260-6044

ChildrenÕs Advocacy Center of the Bronx
33 14 Steuben Ave.
Bronx, NY 10467
(718) 920-5833

ChildrenÕs Advocacy Center of Manhattan
333 E. 70^th St.
New York, NY 10021
(212) 517-3012

ChildrenÕs Advocacy Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital
622 W. 168^th St.
New York, NY
(212) 305-6474

Administration for ChildrenÕs Services

Borough Field Office Numbers:

Brooklyn ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ (718) 826-5213, 5400, 5402
Bronx Ê ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ(718) 579-8863
ManhattanÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ (212) 226-7125
QueensÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ (718) 481-5772
Staten IslandÊÊÊ (718) 720-2832

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child

Links:
www.childabuse.org
www.calib.com/nccanch/