Prioritizing Child Safety Through Support, Not Just Investigation
It’s crucial to understand that NYC CARES is not a replacement for traditional Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations. ACS reserves investigations for cases involving allegations of severe child abuse or situations where children face imminent danger. However, for many families experiencing crises or challenges, an investigation can be intrusive and counterproductive. NYC CARES recognizes that these families often want the best for their children and benefit more from support and collaboration than from adversarial investigations.
While NYC CARES diverges from the investigative model, child safety remains paramount. NYC CARES caseworkers prioritize the well-being of children throughout their engagement with families. If at any point during the process, a caseworker identifies serious and immediate safety concerns, ACS will transition to a formal investigative approach to ensure child protection.
A Collaborative Partnership with Families at the Heart of NYC CARES
The core of the NYC CARES program lies in its partnership-based approach. CARES CPS professionals collaborate closely with families to tackle issues that could potentially compromise child safety. Unlike traditional investigations, NYC CARES visits are scheduled in advance, interviews are conducted with family involvement, and the process avoids formal findings of child maltreatment.
NYC CARES is built on the understanding that parents inherently care about their children’s safety and well-being. Sometimes, families need support to achieve this. NYC CARES offers that support by centering the family’s strengths and tailoring responses to their unique needs. This solution-focused program aims to connect families with essential services that can strengthen their family unit, provide necessary support, and ultimately prevent future involvement with the child welfare system.
Connecting Families with Vital Support Systems and Services
A key component of NYC CARES is facilitating connections between families and both formal and informal support networks. This can range from enrolling in parenting skills workshops and accessing mental health resources to establishing childcare arrangements with neighbors or relatives, finding after-school activities for teenagers, or utilizing local food banks.
The overarching goal of NYC CARES is to empower families to build lasting ties with community services and resources. This ensures that families can maintain these support systems even after their direct involvement with the NYC CARES program concludes, fostering long-term stability and well-being.
NYC CARES as a Strategy for Racial Equity in Child Welfare
NYC CARES is not only a family support program but also a vital component of ACS’s strategy to address racial disparities within the child welfare system and promote social justice. By offering a collaborative and less intrusive response, NYC CARES avoids the potentially damaging effects of formal investigations and determinations, particularly for families of color who are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. Importantly, individuals who participate in and successfully complete the NYC CARES program following an SCR report will not have a publicly accessible record of the case, removing a potential barrier to employment and other opportunities.
Key Facts to Know About NYC CARES
- The NYC CARES program is known by various names nationally, including Family Assessment Response (FAR), Differential Response, and Alternative Response.
- The NYC CARES process does not involve court proceedings.
- New York State officially recognized the Family Assessment Response approach, including NYC CARES, as a permanent option for social service districts in 2011.
- The CARES model is implemented throughout New York State and in numerous jurisdictions across the United States.
- NYC CARES has roots in New York City, starting with the Queens FAR Pilot program in 2013, demonstrating the city’s leadership in innovative child welfare practices.
