Subtitle: What Parents and Family Law Clients Need to Know
Learn how New York's new law ending anonymous child abuse reports affects CPS investigations, custody cases, and family law. Legal insight from Most & Schneid, P.C.
Major Reform: New York Moves to End Anonymous Child Abuse Hotline Reports
In June 2025, the New York State Legislature passed a bill to end anonymous child abuse reporting to the Statewide Central Register (SCR), and Governor Hochul signed it into law that December. This legislation—known as the Anti-Harassment in Reporting Act (Senate Bill S550A / Assembly Bill A66A)—aims to reduce false or retaliatory CPS reports while still protecting the confidentiality of reporters.
For New York parents, custody litigants, and family law attorneys, this new law signals a major shift in how child protective services (CPS) investigations begin.
Why New York Is Ending Anonymous CPS Reports
Currently, anonymous CPS calls can trigger immediate investigations without any vetting of the source. These anonymous reports are often used in child custody disputes or divorce proceedings as a tactic to gain leverage, despite being unverified.
✅ New Requirement: Caller Identification
The new law will require callers to provide:
- Full name
- Contact information
This information will remain confidential but must be provided in order for a report to be accepted.
Investigative Journalism Exposes CPS Abuse of Power
A June 2025 ProPublica article reports that anonymous reports have frequently led to:
- Unwarranted home searches
- Child strip searches
- Disproportionate targeting of families of color
The June 2025 ProPublica Article follows the 2023 ProPublica Expose that helped lay the groundwork for the current bill.
According to the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition, approximately 97% of anonymous child maltreatment reports are unsubstantiated in 2019, yet more than 29% of reports (anonymous and non-anonymous) were substantiated. The sharp divide in statistics suggest the ease upon which the system can be abused while resulting in significant trauma for the families involved.
Legal Community Backs the Bill
The New York State Bar Association strongly supports the legislation, calling anonymous reporting "a flawed policy that harms thousands of families each year."
State Senator Jabari Brisport, a sponsor of the bill, described the reform as essential to ending weaponized child abuse reports that unfairly target vulnerable populations noting that "CPS is the perfect weapon".
Impact on Family Law and Custody Cases
At Most & Schneid, P.C., we represent clients throughout New York in child custody and CPS-related legal matters. This reform may:
- Protect parents from false or retaliatory claims
- Limit CPS overreach in matrimonial cases
- Reduce stress and legal costs for families navigating custody disputes
Now that it has been signed, this reform is changing how family court attorneys approach CPS-related evidence and strategy.
Opposition and Concerns
Some child welfare advocates have expressed concern that removing anonymity could deter legitimate reports. However, the bill:
- Maintains strict confidentiality
- Allows for anonymous referrals to non-investigative services
This balance ensures child safety without compromising due process rights.
When Will the New CPS Reporting Law Take Effect?
Update: The legislation was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on December 19, 2025, as the Anti-Harassment in Reporting Act (also known as the Confidential Reporting Act). The requirement that callers provide their name and contact information takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Need Help With CPS or Custody Litigation?
If you or a loved one are facing a child protective investigation or dealing with false allegations in a divorce or custody case, contact Most & Schneid, P.C. We provide informed, compassionate legal support backed by decades of family law experience.
📞 (914) 997-9181 🌐 www.mostandschneid.com
Explore more about our child custody legal services.
For more on how New York custody law is evolving toward more equal parenting time, see NY's Equal Rights Amendment and Movement Towards 50/50 Custody.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.