Reporting Suspected Abuse and Maltreatment of Minors

This policy creates an independent duty for members of the Columbia University community who interact with, supervise, chaperone, or otherwise oversee minors in programs or activities at the University or sponsored by the University to report immediately in they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or maltreatment of individuals under the age of 18.

Any member of the Columbia University community may report abuse if they suspect that a child has been abused or maltreated.

If you believe that a minor may have been abused or maltreated, you must take the following steps:

If a child is in immediate danger or you require emergency assistance, call 911.

If you suspect child abuse or maltreatment by a parent, guardian or other person legally responsible for that child:

  • Call the New York State Child Abuse & Maltreatment Hotline: 800-342-3720. When calling the NY State Child Abuse & Maltreatment Hotline, make sure to obtain a Call ID number and the name of representative contacted. Oral reports must be followed by completing this form from the Office of Children and Family Services, and sending it to the local child protective services where the incident(s) occurred. Please send a copy of the completed form to Rachel Ferrari, and contact her with any questions.
     
  • Report the incident with the Office of the Protection of Minors.
     
  • For any additional questions or concerns, notify Rachel Ferrari, Executive Director for the Protection of Minors, at (212) 853-3731, or [email protected].
     
  • If you suspect child abuse or maltreatment by a member of the Columbia community and is someone other than a parent, guardian, or other person legally responsible:
     
    • Notify Rachel Ferrari, Executive Director for the Protection of Minors, at (212) 853-3731 or [email protected], or report the incident with the Office of Protection of Minors to consult about next reporting steps.