What is the NYC Care Program (CARES)?
The NYC Care Program, officially known as Collaborative Assessment, Response, Engagement & Support (CARES), is an innovative initiative by ACS. It serves as an alternative response to reports made to the Statewide Central Register (SCR) concerning child abuse and maltreatment. Unlike traditional investigations, CARES is deployed in situations where children are not in immediate danger and allegations do not involve serious abuse. Instead of focusing on investigation and potential fault, the NYC Care Program emphasizes partnership with families. It aims to evaluate child safety and family needs collaboratively, empowering families to identify and implement their own solutions with the support of community resources. Crucially, participation in the NYC Care Program does not involve formal investigations or determinations of guilt regarding child abuse or neglect.
Child Safety as the Central Focus of the NYC Care Program
While the NYC Care Program distinguishes itself from traditional investigative approaches, it is fundamentally a child protective response. ACS carefully determines when CARES is appropriate, reserving investigations for cases involving serious allegations or immediate threats to a child’s safety. The NYC Care Program is designed for families experiencing crises or difficulties who are motivated to create a safe environment for their children. It acknowledges that many families can benefit more from support and resources than from adversarial investigations. Within the NYC Care Program, child safety remains paramount. CARES workers prioritize the well-being of children throughout their engagement with families. If at any point during the process, serious safety concerns arise, ACS will transition to a formal investigative approach to ensure child protection.
Partnership and Family Empowerment in the NYC Care Program
The NYC Care Program is built on the principle of partnership between Child Protective Services (CPS) and families. This collaborative approach is central to its effectiveness. Instead of acting as an external authority, CARES CPS professionals work alongside families to address challenges that could impact child safety. Key aspects of this partnership include:
- Scheduled Visits: Meetings with CARES CPS workers are arranged in advance, fostering a respectful and cooperative environment.
- Collaborative Interviews: Information gathering and interviews with family members are conducted in partnership with the family, promoting transparency and open communication.
- Non-Adversarial Process: The NYC Care Program avoids formal determinations of child maltreatment, focusing instead on solutions and support.
The underlying philosophy of the NYC Care Program is that parents genuinely care for their children and want them to be safe. Sometimes, families need assistance to achieve this goal. The NYC Care Program is designed to provide that help by being family-centered and family-led. It recognizes and builds upon existing family strengths, tailoring responses to meet unique family needs. This solution-focused approach aims to connect families with necessary services, strengthen family structures, and prevent future involvement with the child welfare system.
Support Services Offered Through the NYC Care Program
A core function of the NYC Care Program is to facilitate access to a wide range of support services. These services are designed to address the diverse needs of families and build lasting community connections. The support can be both formal and informal, encompassing resources such as:
- Parenting Skills Groups: Group sessions to enhance parenting techniques and strategies.
- Mental Health Support: Counseling and therapy services to address stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
- Informal Childcare Networks: Connecting families with neighbors, friends, or relatives for childcare support.
- Teen Programs: After-school and youth development programs for teenagers.
- Community Food Resources: Access to food banks and pantries, often through local churches or community organizations.
The overarching goal of the NYC Care Program is to empower families to establish strong ties with community resources. This ensures that families can maintain these support systems even after their direct involvement with the CARES program concludes, fostering long-term stability and well-being.
Advancing Racial Equity through the NYC Care Program
The NYC Care Program is explicitly recognized by ACS as a crucial strategy for addressing racial disparities within the child welfare system and promoting social justice. By offering a collaborative and less intrusive response, the NYC Care Program aims to mitigate potential biases and disproportionate impacts on families of color. Because it avoids formal investigations and determinations of allegations in many cases, the NYC Care Program ensures that families who participate and successfully complete the program do not have a formal record of involvement that could be detrimental in areas like employment. This focus on equity and fairness is a key component of the NYC Care Program’s design and implementation.
Key Facts About the NYC Care Program
- Alternative Names: The Collaborative Assessment, Response, Engagement & Support (CARES) approach is also known by various names, including Family Assessment Response (FAR), Differential Response, Alternative Response, Multiple Response, Dual-Track, or Multi-Track Response, highlighting its adoption in different contexts and regions.
- No Court Involvement: The NYC Care Program operates entirely outside of the court system, streamlining the process and reducing potential stress and legal complexities for families.
- Statewide Adoption: The Family Assessment Response (FAR) model, which the NYC Care Program is based on, has been officially adopted as a permanent option for social service districts across New York State since 2011, demonstrating its established and recognized effectiveness.
- Widespread Implementation: Beyond New York City, the CARES approach has been implemented in numerous counties throughout New York State and in other states nationwide, indicating its broad applicability and acceptance in child welfare practices.
- NYC Origins: The NYC Care Program began in New York City with the Queens FAR Pilot program in 2013, marking the start of its development and integration within the city’s child protective services.
