BILL NUMBER: S201
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to provide additional attention to reports
of child abuse or neglect when multiple reports are received.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. amends section 424 of the social services law by adding a new
subdivision 7-b to provide In the event child protective services
receives a duplicate report on an open case that has not been founded,
indicated or referred to services, such duplicate report shall merge
with the open case and remain open for an additional thirty days for
further investigation.
Section 2. is the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The legislation proposed here seeks to amend the social services law to
address the issue of duplicate reports received by child protective
services. Currently, duplicate reports on open cases that have not been
founded, indicated, or referred to services may not receive the neces-
sary attention they deserve. By adding a new subdivision 7-b to section
424, this legislation mandates that duplicate reports shall merge with
the open case and remain open for an additional thirty days for further
investigation.
The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that any potential child
abuse or neglect concerns are thoroughly investigated and addressed. By
allowing for an additional thirty days of investigation, child protec-
tive services will have more time to gather information and assess the
situation to determine the best course of action for the child and their
family.
Overall, this legislation seeks to improve the effectiveness of child
protective services by allowing for an additional thirty days of inves-
tigation when multiple reports are made. Child protective services will
be better equipped to protect vulnerable children and families.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S201: 424 social services law