It is important to note that indicators of child abuse/maltreatment should be viewed in the context of the whole person and situation, not in isolation. Each indicator should be considered in relation to the child's current age and circumstances and in the context of their physical condition or behavior. Evaluate if there is an explanation for the presenting concern and whether the explanation is consistent with the observed physical and behavioral indicators. Any prior experiences with the child and deviation from usual observations should be a part of the assessment. Abuse or maltreatment should never be assumed. It is vital to make an objective assessment that is free from any implicit or explicit bias.

When assessing safety virtually, where possible:

When interacting virtually, one may observe or hear an altercation between children or adults. Even if this does not rise to a level of making a report, it may create an opportunity for a conversation about safety or managing stress

Professionals utilizing technology to provide services should always use reliable technology, with adequate lighting and sound. At the start of each visit, it is good practice to verify the child's location, in the event you need to contact emergency services. Everyone present in the video or call should be introduced, even if they enter after the visit starts. The child should be present for at least part of the visit.

The child and/or parent should be asked if there is enough privacy to discuss sensitive matters. If necessary, nonparticipating household members may be asked to move to a different room or to leave the home, if possible.

Nonverbal cues should be monitored and noted. If a child's demeanor or behavior changes when someone else enters the room, this should prompt further exploration. Similarly, if a child turns off a webcam or is very hesitant to use one, this can be a sign that they are trying to avoid confrontation or assessment.

In addition, the child's environment should be monitored for noticeable unsafe conditions. It should be clear that there is appropriate supervision for the child. One may also see that young children are being held responsible for even younger siblings.

All professionals involved in virtual contact with children should provide clear channels to reach out via e-mail, phone, chat, text, or online tool.

In the state of New York, certain professionals are legally required or mandated to report immediately any suspected cases of child abuse, maltreatment, and/or neglect that they encounter in their professional roles (i.e., working or volunteering in a role that requires your specific licensure or certification) to the New York Statewide Central Register (SCR) of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Reasonable cause for suspicion is based upon behaviors that have been observed or reported that cause the professional to believe that a specific circumstance might involve child abuse or neglect [26]. Child abuse laws in New York, and in all states, do not require reporters to have absolute proof of abuse [27]. Reporting suspected cases should be done in good faith, and mandatory reporting laws give the reporter immunity from criminal and civil liability regardless of the substantiation of abuse [16]. Good faith is defined as "the reporter, to the best of his or her knowledge, has reason to believe that the child in question is being subjected to abuse or neglect" [14]. Note that poverty, in and of itself, does not equate to maltreatment or abuse.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (including abuse and maltreatment) are defined as potentially traumatic experiences that affect an individual during childhood (before 18 years of age) and increase the risk for future health and mental health problems (including increased engagement in risky behaviors) as adults [76]. These experiences are broadly common, occurring in approximately 64% of the U.S. population [82]. ACEs and trauma alone may not rise to the level of child abuse or maltreatment; it is the impact on the child that should be assessed. ACEs have a lasting impact on children, persons legally responsible for children, and mandated reporters.

When assessing and providing care to children affected by trauma, it is important to consider protective factors that can lower the risk of negative health outcomes. Protective factors against child maltreatment and abuse include:

National research shows, and OCFS data confirm, that disparities exist throughout the child welfare system presently and historically [83]. The OCFS' Disproportionate Minority Representation data show historical over-representation of children and families of color in the child welfare system. Families of color have been more likely to be involved in a report to the SCR, and children of color have been more likely to be placed in foster care and generally experience slower achievement of permanency goals.

The best tool to reduce bias is solid critical thinking. In the case of identifying possible abuse, this consists of identifying what specifically concerns you about the current situation, gathering adequate information about the current situation, analyzing that information to separate facts from assumptions, recognizing the possibility of bias, developing multiple hypotheses that could explain the situation, and determining whether you are legally required to call the SCR and, if not, whether an alternative option is better, such as connecting the individual or family to appropriate services in their community. In all cases, mandated reporters should approach the situation with humility and be open and willing to learn and consider information that might be different from first impressions and assumptions.

In the state of New York, certain professionals are legally required or mandated to report immediately any suspected cases of child abuse, maltreatment, and/or neglect that they encounter in their professional roles (i.e., working or volunteering in a role that requires your specific licensure or certification) to the New York Statewide Central Register (SCR) of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Reasonable cause for suspicion is based upon behaviors that have been observed or reported that cause the professional to believe that a specific circumstance might involve child abuse or neglect [26]. Child abuse laws in New York, and in all states, do not require reporters to have absolute proof of abuse [27]. Reporting suspected cases should be done in good faith, and mandatory reporting laws give the reporter immunity from criminal and civil liability regardless of the substantiation of abuse [16]. Good faith is defined as "the reporter, to the best of his or her knowledge, has reason to believe that the child in question is being subjected to abuse or neglect" [14]. Note that poverty, in and of itself, does not equate to maltreatment or abuse.

It is important to note that poor school attendance, in and of itself, does not equate to a reasonable cause to suspect maltreatment. School personnel should first try working with the student, family, and community agencies to identify needs and resources available to meet those needs. A report of suspected educational neglect should be called in as a remedy for excessive absences only as a last resort.

Social Services Law requires the State Central Register (SCR) to be a single contact for reporting child abuse or maltreatment in New York. The law also requires a CPS department to be established in each local department of social services. In order to help prevent child abuse and maltreatment, CPS needs strong partnerships within the community. To this end, certain professionals are designated as "mandated reporters" under the law. Mandated reporters are legally obligated to call the SCR only in certain circumstances, as will be outlined in this course. Families in crisis may not meet the legal criteria required to call the SCR and may be better served by being connected to a variety of community services in their area.

In the state of New York, certain professionals are legally required or mandated to report immediately any suspected cases of child abuse, maltreatment, and/or neglect that they encounter in their professional roles (i.e., working or volunteering in a role that requires your specific licensure or certification) to the New York Statewide Central Register (SCR) of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Reasonable cause for suspicion is based upon behaviors that have been observed or reported that cause the professional to believe that a specific circumstance might involve child abuse or neglect [26]. Child abuse laws in New York, and in all states, do not require reporters to have absolute proof of abuse [27]. Reporting suspected cases should be done in good faith, and mandatory reporting laws give the reporter immunity from criminal and civil liability regardless of the substantiation of abuse [16]. Good faith is defined as "the reporter, to the best of his or her knowledge, has reason to believe that the child in question is being subjected to abuse or neglect" [14]. Note that poverty, in and of itself, does not equate to maltreatment or abuse.

Within 48 hours of reporting the suspected abuse to SCR, the reporter must also complete and sign a written report (LDSS-2221A) and submit the report to the local department of social services (LDSS) that has been assigned to the investigation [26]. The forms may be accessed on the New York State Office of Children and Family Services website at https://ocfs.ny.gov/forms/ldss/LDSS-2221/OCFS-LDSS-2221A.docx. Information required to complete the form includes: