There is a new law on the books that aims to better protect children across New York State. As a result, more school employees are now required to report suspected child abuse.
The law signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo Wednesday means there will soon be more eyes and ears watching out for signs of suspected child abuse and neglect. State Senator Tim Kennedy co-sponsored the legislation.
"What this piece of legislation does is it mandates that coaches and other personnel that work with our children in athletics every single day at school that often our children confide in them, and become individuals of trust in these relationships, are now mandated reporters." Kennedy explained.
"If they see something, they say something."
Kennedy says it also includes new requirements for anyone with a coaching license or certificate.
"They'll have to be certified and trained in what to look out for as it pertains to identifying abuse and ultimately reporting that abuse."
School coaches will be required to complete the two-hour training course by next July. The law also protects mandated reporters from civil liability if their reports are proven unfounded.