New York Governor Signs Law to End Anonymous Reporting of Child Maltreatment

“Marking a major victory for parents rights advocates, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Friday night to end the long-standing yet controversial practice of accepting anonymous reports to the state’s child abuse and neglect hotline.

Supporters of the legislation have argued that callers to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) who do not leave their names and contact information are more likely to be lodging false accusations — a form of harassment that can result in frightening home investigations. Anonymous calls are often made by abusive former partners and in some cases vindictive landlords and neighbors.”