Can I Report My Own Parents to CPS in New York?

You absolutely can make this call, and based on what you have described — domestic violence, untreated medical and dental needs, inadequate food, and ongoing neglect — you have more than enough reason to do so.

How Do I Report Abuse or Neglect in New York?

New York's child protective system is governed by N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 412, which establishes the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Any person can make a report by calling 1-800-342-3720, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no age requirement for callers.

You can also report online through the New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) website, though phone reports are processed faster in urgent situations.

When you call, the SCR will ask you to describe what is happening. You do not need physical evidence — your firsthand account of conditions in the home is enough to trigger an investigation. Under N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 422, your identity as the reporter is kept strictly confidential and cannot be released without a court order.

What Counts as Neglect Under New York Law?

Under N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 1012, a neglected child is one whose physical, mental, or emotional condition has been impaired — or is in imminent danger of being impaired — by a parent's failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical/dental care, even though financially able to do so. Based on your description, several elements may meet this standard:

• Medical and dental neglect — failure to obtain necessary dental treatment despite repeated requests
• Inadequate nutrition — a household without regular access to nutritious food
• Failure to address hygiene needs — prolonged untreated lice among younger siblings
• Exposure to domestic violence — New York courts increasingly recognize this as a form of neglect under the Family Court Act

According to OCFS data, New York investigated over 66,000 reports of child abuse and neglect in 2024, with approximately 27% resulting in an indicated finding. Neglect accounts for roughly 60% of all substantiated cases statewide.

What Happens After I Make a Report?

Once the SCR accepts your report, your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or Administration for Children's Services (ACS, in New York City) must begin an investigation within 24 hours. A caseworker will visit your home, interview family members, and assess safety. According to state data, the average investigation takes approximately 60 days to complete.

The goal of CPS is not to immediately remove children from a home. In roughly 90% of cases, the agency works with families to address problems through services — parenting programs, mental health referrals, housing assistance, or safety planning for domestic violence. Removal happens only when a child faces imminent risk.

If your father has prior arrests for domestic violence and your older sister experienced sexual abuse, those records strengthen the case significantly. Under N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 1046, prior founded reports and criminal history are admissible in Family Court proceedings.

What If I Am Afraid to Call?

You can make the report anonymously — you are not required to give your name. However, if you do identify yourself, your information is protected by law and will not be shared with your parents.

If you are in school, you can also tell a teacher, school counselor, or nurse. These professionals are mandated reporters under New York law and are legally required to file a report on your behalf.

You are not betraying your family by making this call. You are protecting your siblings and yourself. For more information about what to expect during the divorce process in New York if your parents do eventually separate, or to understand how child custody decisions are made, those resources may help you feel more prepared. A family law attorney can also help you understand your rights as a minor in this situation.

The number again is 1-800-342-3720. You can call right now.