Res. No. 68

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to enact a law requiring that any adult who suspects child abuse be required to report such suspected abuse to the appropriate authority.

By Council Members Foster, Mark-Viverito, and Recchia Jr.

                     Whereas, There were nearly one million substantiated cases of child abuse and an estimated 1,300 child fatalities from maltreatment in the United States in 2001; and

                     Whereas, Approximately 55,000 reports of child abuse or neglect involving 88,000 children are investigated in New York City each year; and

Whereas, One of the greatest responsibilities of a collective society is to provide a safe and healthy environment for children, and therefore it should be the responsibility of every adult to report any suspicion of child abuse to the proper authority; and

                     Whereas, Currently, New York State Law requires only that certain professional workers, including health care workers, school officials, day care workers, law enforcement officers, and social service workers report suspicion of child abuse; and

                     Whereas, The damage inflicted by child abusers results in emotional scars that can torment victims of child abuse for a lifetime; and

                     Whereas, Not wanting to get involved should no longer be an option when it comes to the horrible crime of child abuse; and

Whereas, Children are powerless to protect themselves against child abusers, and it is therefore appropriate for New York State to require adults to report any suspicion of child abuse; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to enact a law requiring that any adult who suspects child abuse be required to report such suspected abuse to the appropriate authority.

J.D.S.

Res. 26/2004