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

Advocates from this group were instrumental in organizing a mandated reporting hearing in September 2023, hosted by the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Children and Families. Nearly every organization from the NY MRWG was represented at the hearing with either written or oral testimony. We look forward to developing and proposing legislative and policy solutions that address the various aspects of mandated reporting laws and practices that come together to create and perpetuate harm to New York families.

Our working group continues to host individual, group, and community conversations with mandated reporters and people impacted by investigations to understand current practices, supports that families need, and how potential changes to mandated reporting laws could impact outcomes.