Children in our community have the right to protection from abuse and neglect; they have the right to an environment that nurtures their growth and development.
It is no secret that child abuse and neglect exist, that incest is not uncommon, that family violence is frequent, and that generally poor parenting can contribute to teen problems.
The New York State Child Protection Act authorizes all citizens to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the State's Child Abuse and Maltreatment Register. It requires professional care givers such as physicians, school officials, law enforcement officials to report. The Child Protection Act provides that "any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in the making of a report...shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise result by reason of such actions."
Toll-free calls can be made to the NY STATE'S CHILD ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT REGISTER at 1-800-342-3720.
Local investigations will commence within 24 hours following your call. If you have difficulty call directly to CHILD PROTECTION SERVICE UNIT (DSS) at 364-3512 (ask for Children's Protection Unit).
The Unit is responsible for receiving and investigating all reports of child abuse and maltreatment. Staff available 24 hour a day, every day.
CHILDREN'S SERVICE UNIT (DSS) 364-3534
Responsible for appropriate placement and care of children when it is not
appropriate for them to remain at home.
ROCKLAND FAMILY SHELTER, INC. 634-3344
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/RAPE CRISIS SERVICE
2 Congers Rd.
New City, NY 10956
Director: Carolyn Fish
CENTER FOR ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT SERVICES (CASS)
24-hour hotline, free walk-in counseling center, adult and children services, accompaniment to court and County agencies, information and referral services. Battered Women support group. Shelter for battered women and their children.RAPE CRISIS SERVICES
24-hour hotline, advocacy, counseling, accompaniment to medical services, courts, etc. Support groups for survivors of sexual assault/abuse and their families.
LET INCEST VICTIMS EMERGE (LIVE) 638-6253
24 S. Main St., New City 10956
Contact: Phyllis Wallace
Purpose: To remedy the causes and consequences of incest and sexual abuse
through community education, outreach and intervention. Hotline and counseling.
Fee.
VOLUNTEER COUNSELING SERVICE (VCS) 634-5729
151 S. Main ST., New City 10956
Contact: Phyllis Frank
BATTERERS' INTERVENTION PROJECT
Group to learn more appropriate methods to deal with anger. Fee. No one
refused service because of inability to pay.
MOVE (MEN'S ONGOING VOLUNTARY EXCHANGE)
BATTERED INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Contact: Phyllis Frank
Group to learn how to end violence in clients' lives
EMERGENCY SERVICES at DSS (364-2000, and ask for "CRISIS" OR THE FAMILY SHELTER AT 634-3344.