Elected officials say the increase in child abuse filings in the Bronx and the city has caused a need for more family court judges, however, Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R-NYC) disagrees.

The Administration for Child Services say the number of child abuse cases has surged 30 percent in the past year. Officials say that is overburdening the child welfare system. They say it is causing a long wait time in the family courts, which could further endanger a child?s safety.

Bloomberg says the problem is not a manpower issue, but possibly a procedural one. There are 47 family court judges and that number has not changed since 1991. If an increase in judges occurs, that decision will ultimately be up to officials in Albany.