Our Mission:

Our current mission statement was developed in a 1998 Board / staff / parent retreat:

Through organized client involvement and collective advocacy both inside and independent of the system, the Child Welfare Organizing Project will change /  transform the quality of services  provided to New York City families through the New York City child welfare system.

Targets for System Change

• The proportion of public child welfare funding allocated for prevention / family preservation services will continue to increase

• ACS will acknowledge and develop a conscious strategy to address and counteract the pervasive influence of systemic racism in child welfare decision-making

• Indicators of parent involvement in child welfare service planning, such as rates of parent participation in Service Plan Reviews and meeting / exceeding minimal parent / child visitation requirements, will increase.

• Increasing numbers of parents will serve in meaningful consulting and oversight roles with ACS and they will exert a direct impact on public policy development.

• Alternative models of legal representation featuring reasonable caseloads and training, supervisory, clerical, investigative, and social work supports will be developed and offered to parent respondents in the Family Court.

• Growing numbers of child and family service providers, legal, and advocacy organizations will employ parents in meaningful staff and Board roles.