Law Now Requires Camps to Report Child Abuse

New York lawmakers have voted to add directors of children’s overnight or summer day camps to the list of those required to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the state and to local social services officials.

Sponsors say under current regulations camp directors are required to report incidents at their camps, but they can face civil liability for contacting authorities on behalf of a child concerning abuse or maltreatment elsewhere.

The measure would give them immunity for good-faith reporting of maltreatment.

Mandated reporters, who can face liability for intentionally failing to make a report, include police, doctors, social workers, school officials, psychologists, registered nurses and licensed family therapists.