Through historical and legal research, assessment of mandated reporting efforts across the country, data analysis, and community engagement, the NY MRWG develops and advocates for policy solutions to limit overreporting and unnecessary CPS investigations. We recognize that effective change will require narrowing New York’s mandated reporting laws, but amendments to the law alone are insufficient. Oversight, institutional practice, and reporting culture and narratives must also change if we are to prevent family entanglement in the system.

Advocates from this group were instrumental in organizing a mandated reporting public hearing in September 2023, hosted by the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Children and Families and Assemblyman Hevesi. Nearly every organization from the NY MRWG was represented at the hearing with either written or oral testimony. Mr. Hevesi subsequently introduced the Supporting Families Together Act, after hearing extensive testimony from mandated reporters about the “culture of fear” related to civil and criminal penalties. We look forward to proposing and championing additional legislative solutions that address the various aspects of mandated reporting laws and practices that perpetuate harm to New York families.

Our working group continues to host conversations with mandated reporters and people impacted by CPS investigations to understand current practices, supports that families need, and how potential changes to mandated reporting laws could produce better child and family outcomes.