CPS Defense Attorney Andrew Proto Explains the Impact of This Major Reform
Beginning in mid-2026, New York State will no longer allow anonymous Child Protective Services (CPS) reports. Under the newly signed Anti-Harassment in Reporting Act, anyone calling the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) must provide their name and contact information before a CPS investigation can begin.
According to Westchester County CPS Defense Attorney Andrew Proto of Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, this change is “a significant step toward preventing harassing or malicious CPS reports made for vindictive purposes.” The goal is to reduce false allegations and limit the emotional and financial toll of unnecessary CPS investigations on families.
Why New York Changed the CPS Reporting Law
Previously, any person — including neighbors, ex-partners, landlords, or community members — could file an anonymous CPS report. Once filed, these allegations often triggered intrusive CPS investigations lasting up to 60 days, including home visits, interviews, and school contact.
Anonymous Reporting Causes Significant Problems
- High rates of unfounded investigations: Data shows that anonymous reports are far less likely to be substantiated than those made by identified reporters. In New York City in 2023, only about 7% of investigations from anonymous calls were verified, compared with nearly 22.5% overall.
NYC Family Policy - Weaponization of the system: Advocates and legal experts documented cases where anonymous tips were used maliciously, by ex-partners in custody disputes, vindictive neighbors or landlords, to trigger stressful, intrusive CPS involvement.
- Disproportionate impact on families of color: Data and advocacy groups highlighted that investigations, including those from anonymous claims, disproportionately affected Black and Latino families, feeding concerns about inequities in the child welfare system
What the Anti-Harassment in Reporting Act Actually Changes
1. Anonymous CPS reports will no longer trigger investigations
Anyone making a report must provide:
- Their name
- Contact information
Reports without identifying information will not result in a CPS investigation.
2. Reporter identities remain confidential
Reporter information:
- Is not public
- Cannot be released unless ordered by a court
So mandatory identification does not remove reporter protection — it simply prevents anonymous harassment.
When Does the Law Take Effect?
The law is expected to take effect in mid-2026.
Before implementation, the state will:
- Train hotline and CPS workers on the new rules
- Monitor investigation trends
- Track changes in reporting patterns
You Still Have Rights During a CPS Investigation
CPS Defense Attorney Andrew Proto believes this new law is a move in the right direction but also the public needs to be made aware of their legal rights during any CPS investigation something an emergency case worker will rarely do during initial contact with a subject.
Any subject of an investigation has the right to legal counsel. A common misconception is that having legal counsel makes you “look guilty”. This is false. CPS caseworkers and the local county attorneys expect a subject to have legal counsel. When the government comes knocking on your door, waiving your right to counsel is never a good idea.
CPS Defense Attorney Andrew Proto, has over 25 years of experience. He has successfully handled CPS matters at all stages, from the 60 day investigation, family court actions, administrative appeals, fair hearings and article 78 proceedings. Experience matters. If you have been contacted by CPS immediately call Attorney Andrew Proto for a free initial consultation. Andrew will explain your rights and how to fight back against any CPS case.
Contact Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP Today
Free initial consultations available.
Our offices are conveniently located in:
- White Plains, NY
- Cortlandt Manor, NY