Mandated reporting laws require child- and family-facing professionals to report suspected child abuse and neglect. New York State continues to introduce new categories of reporters, even though more reporting does not equal better outcomes for children. Too many families, who would be better served with material resources, come to the attention of the family policing system, as claims of neglect are often related to poverty. Research shows that mandated reporting policies do not increase accuracy in reporting, particularly around “neglect". There is confusion around what to report, as mandated reporters must interpret vague standards under the threat of professional and even criminal penalties. However, reports made out of an abundance of caution cause significant harm, sending families down a path of scrutiny, disruption, and trauma. The staggering volume of reporting and investigations in New York State is well-documented. While the national average rate for screening-in reports is about 50%, New York accepts about 75% of calls. Data from New York’s Office of Children and Family Services show that in 2024, there were nearly 144,000 reports of abuse or neglect accepted for investigation (73% of which were made by mandated reporters). And yet, CPS ultimately concluded only 20% of these cases presented enough evidence to support a claim of child maltreatment.

This volume of reporting means that thousands of children and their caregivers are subjected to intrusive investigations. Families of color are reported and investigated at higher rates than white families. Across the state, Black families are seven times more likely to be reported than white families. In New York City, 44% of Black children and 43% of Latine children can expect to experience an investigation, despite making up 23% and 29% of the city’s population, respectively. This comes at a high cost to taxpayers. In recent years, New York City alone spent at least $300 million annually to investigate reports. This is an overwhelming amount of public funding, spent year after year with poor results. Meanwhile, critical supports for families and communities such as affordable housing or childcare are significantly underfunded.

To the communities most impacted by family policing, mandated reporting is a form of surveillance that ruptures trust in the people and institutions that they should be able to rely on for help. The mere threat of an investigation leads families to conceal their needs and avoid accessing needed supports. Caregivers, mothers in particular, who are fearful of an investigation are less likely to access educational resources, medical care, mental health services, or public benefits. The legal constraints of the mandate harm professionals too. Research shows that therapists and social workers experience burnout and mental health consequences linked to reporting requirements. The mandate is problematic, restricting professionals' flexibility to provide resources and build support around families due to the fear of penalties for failure to report or “failure to adhere to the mandate.” Mandated reporting traps families in a family policing system that creates more barriers than pathways of support, instills fear among both families and providers, and deters people from asking for help altogether. The NY MRWG seeks to advance policies and practices that keep more children safe and families together.