Expands the list of mandated reporters of child abuse to include clergy members.

The Child Abuse Reporting Expansion Act amends the social services law to require clergy members to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment. Clergy members must report if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse, except when the information is received in a confessional context. The act also clarifies definitions for "member of the clergy" and "religious institution." The amendments take effect immediately, except for those related to clergy members, which follow the same schedule as previous amendments.

Expands the list of mandated reporters of child abuse to include clergy members.

The Child Abuse Reporting Expansion Act amends the social services law to require clergy members to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment. Clergy members must report if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse, except when the information is received in a confessional context. The act also clarifies definitions for "member of the clergy" and "religious institution." The amendments take effect immediately, except for those related to clergy members, which follow the same schedule as previous amendments.