If you are interested in joining this effort, please add your name to a letter of support by filling out the simple form which follows the language of the letter below.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chris Gottlieb at gottlieb@mercury.law.nyu.edu.

Thank you!

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Dear Senator Brisport and Assembly Member Hevesi:

We write to urge you and your colleagues to pass the Anti-Harassment in Reporting Bill (A66/S550), which would replace anonymous reporting to the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment with confidential reporting.

Child protective services investigations are disruptive and highly stressful to children and families. No family should be subject to unnecessary, invasive surveillance. The resources currently spent on investigating baseless allegations could be far better spent supporting children and families.  

It is well documented that the harms of false reporting fall disproportionately on low-income, Black and Brown New Yorkers. The structural racism of the child welfare system can only be addressed by questioning and undoing longstanding features of that system.  

By taking the simple step of requiring all callers who make allegations of child abuse and neglect to provide their names (as mandated reporters are already required to do), the Anti-Harassment in Reporting Bill will discourage malicious false reporting and allow child protective services to better assess allegations. Those making reports will be protected by strict confidentiality requirements.

We strongly support this important piece of legislation and thank you for sponsoring it. 
Sincerely,