ADMIN FOR CHILDREN'S SVCS

The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) is a New York City government agency dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of the city's children and families. Established in 1995, ACS provides a comprehensive range of services, including child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care and education programs.

Child Welfare Services

ACS plays a pivotal role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. The agency's Division of Child Protection conducts over 55,000 investigations annually into suspected cases of child maltreatment.

To support families and prevent crises, ACS collaborates with private nonprofit organizations to offer preventive services. For children unable to safely remain at home, ACS provides foster care services, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.

Juvenile Justice Services

In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds multiple services:

• Detention and placement facilities
• Intensive community-based alternatives for youth
• Support services for families

The agency's "Close to Home" program places young individuals requiring out-of-home placement in residential programs closer to their families and communities. This facilitates therapeutic services and smoother reintegration into society.

Early Care and Education

ACS coordinates and funds programs and vouchers for nearly 100,000 children eligible for subsidized care. The agency offers child care vouchers for qualified families with children aged 6 weeks to 13 years (or up to 19 years with disabilities).

This initiative aims to make quality child care accessible to all families.

Family Enrichment Centers

In 2017, ACS launched the "Child and Family Well-Being" division, focusing on primary prevention strategies to support families proactively.

As part of this initiative, ACS established Family Enrichment Centers (FECs) in neighborhoods with high rates of child welfare involvement. These centers offer services designed to support healthy child development and strengthen family bonds.

By 2021, ACS expanded the FECs from 3 to 30 sites citywide, with each center's services co-developed with families and the community to meet local needs.

Contact Information

ACS's main office is located at 150 William Street, New York, NY 10038.

For assistance, individuals can call:

• (212) 341-0900
• Outside NYC: (877) KIDSNYC (543-7692)
• Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: (800) 342-3720

Locations

The Administration for Children's Services operates in the following New York City boroughs:

• Queens, NY, USA
• Bronx, NY, USA

Through its comprehensive services and community-focused initiatives, ACS remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for New York City's children and families.