Letter: Too little reporting of child abuse

Shea Levin's article "Kids need our protection from abuse" [Opinion, July 13] is a good start at highlighting the need to pay more attention to child abuse and neglect here on Long Island, but it fails to focus on a key point: reporting.

Even with good prevention programs and a well-staffed child protective service system, without the willingness of people to call in a report of suspected maltreatment, children will not be protected.

Many professionals who work with children, such as educators and child care workers, are required by law to call if they have suspicions, but they are often reluctant to do so. Members of the public who are not considered mandated reporters are able to call anonymously, but they are either uninformed or unwilling. Both professionals and the public are often under the mistaken assumption that one must prove child abuse and neglect before making the call, and this is not the case.

According to New York law, mere suspicion of a child being maltreated is reason enough to alert the authorities so they can conduct a proper investigation and ensure that child's safety.

Sadly, most professionals and community members stay silent -- either hoping the situation is really not that bad or that it will get better on its own. We all have a responsibility to protect children. As we struggle with the outcome of the Caylee Anthony case, we need to be aware that outrage after the fact is not enough.

We encourage everyone to be a voice for children who cannot be a voice for themselves. The anonymous number for calling in a suspicion of abuse or neglect is 800-342-3720. Making that report may be the very thing that makes the difference.

Cynthia Scott, Wantagh

Editor's note: The writer is the executive director of the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect, a nonprofit center for prevention and child victim advocacy.