Case Examples of Calls to Hotline

Case Examples of  Calls to Hotline Circumstances reported Explanation of why CPS could or could not register a report.
 

1. Caller says a child has been hit by his/her parent.

 

 

Parent has been observed hitting the child with an open hand on their buttocks.

 

CPS Intake staff will ask,

 

“What did the adult hit the child with?”

 

“How has this harmed the child, and how do you know?”

 

While there is disagreement about the value of using corporal punishment for the discipline of children, it is not against the law in New YorkState. If a parent hits a child, it is not automatically child abuse.

 

2. Caller says child’s parents are abusing alcohol or using or selling drugs.

 

 

 

CPS Intake staff will ask. “How has this use harmed the child or caused imminent danger of harm, and how do you know?”

 

If the caller only knows that the parent is using, CPS may ask him/her to gather more information about how the child is being harmed.

 

There is no information to support an allegation that the child has been harmed (or is in imminent danger of harm)  in a way that has been observed and can be described. CPS would suggest a referral to a community agency for primary prevention.

 

 

3. Caller says child is home alone without adult supervision

 

 

CPS Intake staff will ask about the age of the child, the frequency at which the child is left home alone, and other related circumstances.

 

Caller states that child is 10 years old, and is home after school until the parent gets home about 5:00 p.m.

 

 

There is no information to support an allegation that the child has been harmed (or is in imminent danger of harm) in a way that has been observed and can be described. Caller does not have allegations that, if true, would constitute abuse or neglect according to NYS law

 

4. Caller says child often comes to school dirty and disheveled

 

 

CPS Intake staff will ask about whether the parent is providing a minimal level of care: food, clothing, housing, supervision, safe surroundings, personal health care, medication, and education.

 

Caller says all she knows is that every time she sees the child, he is dirty and his clothing is in disrepair

 

Caller does not have allegations that, if true, would constitute abuse or neglect according to NYS law. CPS may suggest a referral to a community agency for primary prevention.