What Is The New York Child Safety Conference?

In New York City, Parent Advocates participate in Initial Child Safety Conferences (ICSC) where family members and child protective specialists (CPS) discuss safety concerns in the home and identify the best safety plan for the child. Parents facing removal of their children are asked to attend a Child Safety Conference, where a decision is made whether or not a new baby is born. The 72-Hour Child Safety Conference involves ACS, your family, friends, relatives, and others who support your family.

The enhanced ICSC model introduces caucusing/private family meetings. Family Team Conferences (FTC) are important opportunities to bring together family members, young people, extended family, caseworkers, parent advocates, and support. Michael Arsham, director of The Office of Advocacy for NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services, spoke to Rise about NYC’s Enhanced Family Conferencing Initiative (EFCI), a program that helps parents and caretakers of children in Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx.

If ACS thinks your children are at risk, they might hold a Child Safety Conference. This is a facilitated meeting between ACS and the parent where important safety concerns are discussed and a plan is developed to keep you and your children safe. The next CPS Technical Conference will be held at the Lake Placid Conference and Convention Center from May 6 – Thursday, May 8, 2025.

The Community Advocacy Project (CAP) aims to prevent parents from ever having to come to court by providing them crucial legal and social support. The enhanced ICSC model and the Enhanced Family Conferencing Initiative (EFCI) are essential tools for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in New York City.

What happens when CPS is called in NY?

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) will contact the person who made the report within 24 hours to gather more information. They will make an unannounced visit to your home within 24 – 48 hours of the report, requesting your permission to enter and discuss the alleged concerns. If you choose not to let ACS into your home, they are required by law to determine how best to assess the safety of your child(ren). CPS has a legal obligation to see and speak to all children residing in your home, as well as any other child for whom you are a parent or caretaker.

At the first interaction at your home, CPS will provide you with notification that the ACS has received a report from the New York Statewide Central Register (SCR) with concerns about your child(ren). They will give you a Notice of Existence, informing you that you have an open investigation of abuse or maltreatment. If services are determined to be helpful, ACS can refer you and/or your family to services and work with you to receive them. CPS may offer Prevention Services or other community-based services, such as medical, mental health, benefits navigation, and other services.

In cases where a plan is needed to ensure the safety of your children, CPS may ask you to attend an Initial Child Safety Conference (ICSC), which you are welcome to bring someone you trust and will be offered a Parent Advocate to attend with you. You may call an attorney at any point during this investigation.

How long does an ACS case last NYC?

The ACS is obliged to conduct an investigation within 60 days, determining whether the case is valid or unfounded. The findings will be communicated to the applicant in writing, with a comprehensive examination of the applicant’s family’s circumstances.

What is the purpose of the Safe Act in NY?

The New York State SAFE Act prohibits individuals with criminal records or diagnosed mental illnesses from purchasing firearms. It does so by requiring universal background checks, increasing penalties for illegal gun use, mandating life imprisonment without parole for first responder murderers, and imposing the toughest assault weapons ban in the nation. The reporting requirement set forth in MHL 9. 46 will become effective on March 16, 2013.

What is the legal age to leave a child alone in NY?

The legislation stipulates that there is no fixed age at which a child can be left unattended. The onus is on the parent or legal guardian to ascertain whether the child in question is sufficiently mature to understand and care for themselves.

What happens after a safeguarding referral is made to a child?

Once the social worker has gathered the relevant information, they will consult with the parents and carers in order to determine the most suitable form of support for the family. In doing so, the social worker must ensure that the proposed support does not increase the risk of harm to the family members in question and must also make a decision regarding the most appropriate services to provide.

What can’t CPS do in New York?

Child Protective Services (CPS) in New York have strict regulations regarding the entry of individuals into their homes and the compulsion of drug tests. CPS cannot enter a home without permission or a court order, and can only request a parent to do so with a court order. Navigating the complexities of child abuse or neglect accusations can be overwhelming, but having a skilled lawyer can provide invaluable assistance. New York Family Law Group, a specialized firm, can help handle child abuse cases and ensure the best legal representation possible.

The complex laws surrounding child abuse and neglect in New York can be draining, especially when working with inexperienced lawyers. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and let them advocate for your best interests.

What is CPS New York?

Child Protective Specialists (CPS) are professionals who respond to reports of child abuse and neglect in New York City. They use investigatory and social work skills to work with families and community resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children. CPSs conduct community visits, assess families’ strengths and needs, interview family members, and assess the risk of future abuse or neglect. They coordinate a team to evaluate safety and identify interventions to reduce risks.

CPSs may remove children into protective custody or foster care when in imminent danger. They maintain accurate records of case information, assist families in navigating government agencies, and file petitions and testify in legal proceedings. The starting salary for a CPS Level I is $57, 127, with a base salary increase of $62, 043 after 6 months of service. After 18 months, the base salary increases to $66, 159, with a salary range up to $91, 071. Additional benefits include longevity differentials, overtime earnings, and night differentials for certain assignments.

How do you explain child protection to a child?

To guarantee the security of minors, utilize unambiguous and succinct terminology to elucidate your presence. For younger children, it is recommended to use phrases such as “I am here to help Mummy/Daddy keep you safe.” For older children, the phrase “sometimes parents need a bit of extra help to make sure children are safe” is suggested.

What is the New York child safety Law?

New York State law mandates that all children under 4 ride in child safety seats and child restraint systems until their 8th birthday. All passengers must wear seat belts, with children under 16 required to wear them in the front or back seat. Children under four must ride in safety seats. Violations of seat belts or car seats can result in a fine of up to $50, with a maximum fine of $100 for a driver under 16 and three violation points upon conviction. The law also requires all passengers to wear seat belts.

What happens in a child protection conference?

A child protection conference is a process that assesses the child’s welfare and potential harm. It is conducted after an investigation under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989. The conference considers the family’s concerns and whether the child is at risk of serious harm. If deemed necessary, the child’s name is added to the child protection register, also known as the “at risk” register. The Department for Education’s guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children, ensures a coordinated and child-centered approach to safeguarding.

What should be included in a child protection referral?

To report a concern about a person, provide relevant details about the person, your involvement, the nature of the concern, any identifiable information about the alleged perpetrator, whether anyone has spoken to the person, and details of other services involved. If the referral meets their criteria, you should be informed within 48 hours. If the concern is about a child and someone in connection with your organization is accused of causing harm or abuse, you should speak to your local authority designated officer (LADO).

Local authorities provide advice and guidance to employers and voluntary organizations, liaise with the police and other agencies, and monitor case progress to ensure a thorough and fair process. If you are not informed within 48 hours, follow up if you are not informed.