The Need for Transforming the Statewide Central Register: From Expert Kathryn Krase

Testimony of Kathryn Krase, PhD, JD, MSW

to

NYS Assembly Standing Committee on Children and Families

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Recently I had the opportunity to share my testimony at the NYS Assembly hearing on the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment on October 9, 2024.

My testimony is available at the link here.

My name is Kathryn Krase, and I have spent over 20 years training thousands of professionals annually on their legal and ethical responsibilities as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect.

The Statewide Central Register (SCR) has critical shortcomings that harm marginalized families, particularly Black and Brown families and those in poverty. It also fails the professionals it is supposed to support. Fear-based reporting policies drive unnecessary reports, perpetuating harm to families while failing to address systemic issues.

Learn about the consequences of failing to make a report at the blog post here.

A Broken System Hurts Everyone

Many professionals report to the SCR out of fear of legal consequences rather than genuine concerns. Hotline staff are unequipped to guide nuanced decisions, often leading to intrusive investigations of unfounded allegations. This approach undermines trust between clients and professionals and creates trauma for families.

It's also important to note that the professional's autonomy for making a report is great affected based on the current systems in place. You can learn more about this topic at the blog post here.

Key Recommendations for Change

1. Professionalize the SCR Workforce: Train hotline staff to provide legal guidance and help reporters assess risks thoughtfully.

2. Improve Mandated Reporter Training: Emphasize critical thinking and decision-making over compliance-driven fear.

3. Revise SCR Protocols: Equip professionals with tools to make informed, ethical decisions and reduce unnecessary reports. Learn more about this critical issue at the blog post here.

4. Implement Secondary Screening: Quickly dismiss cases that do not meet investigation thresholds to minimize family trauma.

5. Focus on Preventative Support: Provide community-based services as alternatives to filing reports, reducing stigma and fostering family preservation.

   
   

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The SCR system must shift from fear-driven compliance to one of ethical decision-making and meaningful support. I urge the committee to adopt these recommendations and transform the SCR into a resource that genuinely protects children while empowering families and professionals alike.

Together, we can create a system that respects and uplifts New York’s families and those who serve them.