New York State's Updated Mandated Reporter Training

What is this I’m hearing about New York State requiring updated Mandated Reporter Training?

New York State has recently updated its mandated reporter training requirements under Chapter 56 of the New York State Social Services Law § 413. Professionals across nearly 20 different licensing titles are required to complete this updated training by April 1, 2025. This training is critical for those who are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS).

Learn more about your role as a mandated reporter here.

What is new in the updated mandated reporter training?

The updated training program is specifically designed to address and reduce the high incidence of unnecessary reports of suspected child maltreatment. This comprehensive training incorporates a range of protocols aimed at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of reporting.

The training emphasizes the importance of collaboration with medical and mental health professionals to ensure that reports are based on well-founded concerns. By implementing these protocols, the updated training seeks to improve the overall quality of child protection efforts while minimizing the strain on child welfare systems caused by false reports.

The updated training includes protocols to: 

• Reduce implicit bias in decision-making processes

• Strategies for identifying adverse childhood experiences

• Guidelines to assist in recognizing signs of abuse or maltreatment while interacting virtually within the New York State. 

  
  

How long is the updated mandated reporter training?

The training must be at least two hours long.

What if I previously took the New York State Mandated Reporter Training?

Certain professionals in New York State have been required to complete mandated reporter training since 1989. If you took the New York State Mandated Reporter Training prior to 2023, you MUST take the updated training. If you did the training in 2023 or 2024, check your certificate to see if it meets the new requirements.

Make sure to verify that your certificate aligns with the updated standards. This is particularly important if you completed the New York State Mandated Reporter Training. If not, you must take the updated training.

Which professions are required to take the updated training in New York State?

The following NYS professional titles are required to take the updated training prior to April 1, 2025:

• Certified Behavior Analyst Assistants

• Chiropractors

• Creative Arts Therapists

• Dental Hygienists

• Dentists

• Licensed Behavior Analysts

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers

• Licensed Master Social Workers

• Marriage and Family Therapists

• Mental Health Counselors

• Optometrists

• Physicians

• Podiatrists

• Psychoanalysts

• Psychologists

• Registered Nurses

  
  

Some other professionals, including school personnel and child care workers, are also required to take updated training.

Learn more about Which Professionals are Mandated Reporters?

Where can I receive the updated mandated reporter training?

There are many options to take the updated mandated reporter training: 

• You can take the required reporter training for free online at the New York Mandated Reporter Resource Center. 

• Searching for reasonably priced online education? Making the Tough Call offers high-quality courses for just $10. You can take them at your own pace on our website. You can click HERE to get started.

• If you’re looking for live training for groups, either online or in-person, contact Making the Tough Call for options. Live online trainings start at $1000 for groups of up 100 participants. 

• Other approved providers can be found HERE.

Once I finish the updated mandated reporter training, how do I prove I met the requirement?

When you finish the updated mandated reporter training, you should receive a certificate from the training provider. Make sure to keep a digital or physical copy of that certificate. Licensed professionals are required to upload that digital copy to the New York State Education Department by April 1, 2025.

Once you have your certificate, you need to upload it to NYSED through THIS LINK.

For a video outlining the process to upload your certificate to NYSED, CLICK HERE.

I work at a school. How do I upload training completion to the TEACH system?

If you work at a school or are in the process of obtaining your teacher certification in New York State your training provider should upload your information to the NYS TEACH system. When you take a Making the Tough Call online training you can have your information uploaded to the NYS TEACH system. Make sure to follow the instructions in the training completion message.

What if I’m on the list of professionals required to take the updated training, but I don’t work with families or children? Am I exempt?

New York State provides limited exemptions from the mandated reporter training. You may be eligible for an exemption if:

• You do not have professional contact with persons under the age of 18 years

AND

• You do not have contact with persons 18 years of age or older with a handicapping condition, who reside in a residential care school or facility.

For more information about exemptions, check out THIS WEBSITE.

What if I missed the April 1, 2025 deadline?

No worries. There is no indication that you will be penalized. Just meet the requirement ASAP and upload as appropriate to your discipline.

If you still have questions about the updated training for mandated reporters in New York State, ask us (Making the Tough Call) by EMAIL.  You can also check out the New York State government information, HERE.