The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is committed to ensuring child safety and family well-being in New York City. Recognizing that not every report to the Statewide Central Register (SCR) of Child Abuse and Maltreatment requires a full investigation, ACS has implemented the Collaborative Assessment, Response, Engagement & Support (CARES) program. This innovative approach offers an alternative path for families who need support without the intense scrutiny of a traditional child protective services investigation.
What is the ACS CARES Program?
The Acs Cares Program, also known as Family Assessment Response (FAR), is a non-investigatory response designed for reports to the SCR that do not involve immediate or serious threats to a child’s safety and do not include allegations of severe child abuse. Instead of launching a formal investigation, CARES connects families with dedicated professionals who partner with them to assess their needs, ensure child safety, and develop family-led solutions. This strengths-based approach focuses on empowering families to overcome challenges and build a safe and nurturing environment for their children. CARES is about providing support and resources, not assigning blame or creating a record of maltreatment.
Child Safety is Still the Priority
While CARES offers a different approach, it’s crucial to understand that child safety remains the paramount concern for ACS. The CARES program is not utilized in situations involving serious allegations of child abuse or when a child is in immediate danger. In these critical cases, traditional investigations are still conducted to ensure children are protected from harm. However, for many families facing challenges, an investigative approach can be unnecessarily intrusive and even counterproductive. CARES provides a supportive alternative that prioritizes child safety while fostering family cooperation and well-being. If at any point during the CARES process, a professional identifies serious safety concerns, the case will transition to a formal investigation, ensuring a safety net for all children.
A Partnership Approach with Families at the Center
The core principle of the ACS CARES program is partnership. CARES professionals work collaboratively with families, recognizing parents as the experts on their own children and situations. Unlike investigations, CARES visits are scheduled in advance, and all discussions are conducted in open communication with the family. There is no determination of maltreatment within the CARES framework. The focus is entirely on understanding the family’s strengths and needs and connecting them with appropriate support systems.
Parents inherently want the best for their children, and CARES acknowledges that sometimes families need assistance to achieve this. By building upon a family’s existing strengths and tailoring support to their unique circumstances, CARES empowers families to take the lead in creating positive change. This family-centered and family-led approach ensures that solutions are sustainable and genuinely meet the family’s needs, fostering long-term stability and well-being.
Connecting Families with Essential Support and Services
A key component of the CARES program is connecting families with a network of both formal and informal support services. These services are tailored to address the specific needs identified in partnership with the family. Examples of support can range from parenting skills workshops and stress management counseling to accessing childcare, after-school programs, or even utilizing community food banks.
The ultimate goal is to empower families to build lasting connections within their communities. By strengthening these support networks, families are better equipped to navigate challenges independently and maintain stability long after their direct involvement with the CARES program concludes. This focus on community integration promotes self-sufficiency and reduces the likelihood of future involvement with the child welfare system.
CARES as a Tool for Racial Equity and Social Justice
ACS recognizes the importance of addressing racial disparities within the child welfare system, and CARES is a vital strategy in promoting racial equity and social justice. By offering a non-investigatory, collaborative response, CARES minimizes the potential for unintended biases that can sometimes be present in traditional investigative approaches. Because CARES does not result in a formal record of investigation or maltreatment, participation in the program does not create barriers for families in the future, such as in employment background checks. This commitment to equitable practices underscores ACS’s dedication to serving all families fairly and effectively.
Key Facts About the CARES Program
- The Collaborative Assessment, Response, Engagement & Support (CARES) program is known by various names, including Family Assessment Response (FAR), Differential Response, and Alternative Response.
- CARES operates without court involvement.
- The Family Assessment Response (FAR) approach, now known as CARES, is a permanent option for social service districts throughout New York State, established in 2011.
- The CARES model has been successfully implemented in various counties across New York State and in other states nationwide.
- CARES originated in New York City with the Queens FAR Pilot program in 2013, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to innovative family support.
By understanding the ACS CARES program, families and communities can better navigate the child welfare system and access the supportive resources available to ensure child safety and family well-being in New York City.
