Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
New York State Law requires teachers, physicians, nurses, social workers, dentists, dental hygienists, psychologists, optometrists, chiropractors, and podiatrists to take a two-hour course in identifying child abuse prior to obtaining their licenses if they have not already received this training in a New York State professional school. Professionals who come into contact with children in the course of their everyday activities play a vital role in identifying and assisting children who are victimized. The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children offers a New York State Department of Education-approved correspondence course or an onsite lecture course that enables professionals to meet this requirement. In 2005, over 1,500 individuals participated in the program. Since the program's inception in 1990, over 44,000 individuals have been trained regarding their legal responsibilities as mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect.
Lecture Format
The NYSPCC delivers training in identifying and report child abuse and maltreatment in lecture format. This format is typically used for social service agencies, schools, and other entities with multiple employees who have regular professional contact with children. Although the training is based on the syllabus developed by the New York State Education Department, the material can be tailored to the needs of a particular audience. For example, agencies working with young or inexperienced parents may require an emphasis on identifying unacceptable forms of child discipline.
The training can be provided at the agency's site, or in The NYSPCC's offices in lower Manhattan. Training in The NYSPCC's offices, however, is limited to 20 participants. New York State Education Department certificates of completion can be provided to trainees for the professional licensing requirement, or training can be delivered without certificates.
Fees for the lecture training can be adjusted to the budget of the sponsoring agency; the fee schedule differs depending on whether or not certificates of completion are issued. For additional information or to request a training session for your organization, please contact:
Stephen P. Forrester, Esq.
Assistant Executive Director
212-233-5500 ext. 219
sforrester@nyspcc.orgThe NYSPCC Correspondence Course on Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
To enroll in the NYSPCC Correspondence Course, please complete the printable application form. (Also available in Adobe Acrobat format) Completed forms, along with a $30.00 check or money order payable to “The NYSPCC Correspondence Course” may be mailed to:
Norma-Jean Richards
The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
161 William Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10021Individuals paying by credit card may fax the enrollment form to:
Norma-Jean Richards
FAX: 212-791-5227Upon receipt of your enrollment form and fee, registrants for the course will receive The NYSPCC Professionals' Handbook: Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect and a test based on its contents. Upon successful completion of the test, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion which they may submit, along with other required documentation, for their New York State licensure.
For additional information regarding the NYSPCC Correspondence Course, please contact:
Joseph T. Gleason
Director of Educational, Archival and Administrative Services
212-233-5500 ext.214
jgleason@nyspcc.orgor
Norma-Jean Richards
Administrative Assistant
212-233-5500 ext.222
nrichards@nyspcc.org