Which law requires individuals to report suspected child abuse in New York?

The New York State Social Services Law is the correct answer because it explicitly mandates the reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment by certain professionals and individuals. This law outlines the obligations of specific mandated reporters, such as teachers, healthcare providers, and social workers, to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse to the appropriate authorities. The intent behind this law is to safeguard children from harm by ensuring that any suspected abuse is promptly addressed by professionals trained to investigate these matters.

While other laws mentioned may relate to child welfare or family issues, they do not specifically impose a legal obligation to report suspected abuse in the way that the Social Services Law does. For instance, the Education Law pertains more to the governance of educational institutions and the rights and responsibilities of the school system, rather than directly addressing the requirements for reporting abuse. The Family Court Act deals with the legal proceedings concerning children and families but does not serve as the direct source of reporting obligations. Lastly, the Children’s Health Care Law focuses on healthcare and services for children rather than the reporting of suspected abuse. Thus, the Social Services Law is clearly identified as the legal framework for mandated reporting in New York.