Divine Rising NYC

ACS Preventive Services

ACS preventive services exist to keep families together — not separate them. Here is what they are, what they offer, and how to access them without fear.

ACS has a painful history in Black and brown communities — surveillance, family separation, and the criminalization of poverty. That fear is valid. It is historically earned. And preventive services are the part of ACS that most families never hear about.

What ACS Preventive Services Actually Are

Preventive services are designed to keep families together by providing real support before a crisis happens. They are community-based, voluntary, and focused on strengthening — not monitoring — your family. You do not need to be under investigation to access preventive services. Families can self-refer.

Who Provides It

ACS contracts with community organizations across NYC to deliver preventive services. You work with the community org — not an ACS caseworker. Providers include Good Shepherd Services, SCO Family of Services, Cardinal McCloskey Community Services, Forestdale Inc., Rising Ground, and dozens more across all 5 boroughs.

What You Can Get

  • Family therapy and individual counseling
  • Housing assistance and advocacy
  • Domestic violence support and safety planning
  • Substance use treatment referrals
  • Parenting skills programs
  • Mental health services for children and parents
  • Concrete supports — diapers, formula, food, furniture
  • Benefits navigation (Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance)
  • Childcare and after-school referrals
  • Legal services coordination

How to Access

Self-referral: Call 212-676-7667 or email OPTA@acs.nyc.gov. A prevention services specialist will help you find a program based on what your family needs, your location, and your language.

Community referral: Schools, pediatricians, hospitals, and community organizations can refer families with consent.

When Can You Call for Preventive Services?

Calling does NOT open an ACS case.

When you reach out for preventive services, you will be connected to a worker who will screen you for services and determine what you are eligible for. This is not an investigation. There is no case number. You will not be penalized for asking for help.

Family & Parenting

  • You are overwhelmed as a new or single parent
  • You are going to the hospital to give birth and have no one to care for your other children
  • You are recovering from illness or surgery with no support
  • You have no access to childcare and it is affecting your ability to work or attend school

Health & Mental Health

  • You are struggling with your mental health
  • Your child has a disability, developmental delay, or behavioral challenges
  • Your child has a serious illness or chronic medical condition
  • You are dealing with substance use and want help

Housing & Basic Needs

  • You are facing eviction or living in unsafe housing
  • Your family is struggling to access food or basic necessities

Safety, Youth & Special Situations

  • You are experiencing domestic violence
  • A young person in your family is being exploited or trafficked
  • A family member is returning home after incarceration
  • A parent or caregiver needs in-home support to safely care for children

What Happens When You Reach Out

  1. Call or email ACS at 212-676-7667 or OPTA@acs.nyc.gov
  2. Contact a Prevention Program — Call, visit, or email the prevention program
  3. Start Services — Meet with a Case Planner to discuss your family's goals and sign paperwork
  4. Receive Services — Meet regularly with the Case Planner; at least one meeting per month in your home. On average, services last 9 months.
  5. End Services — You and your Case Planner decide together when to end services, based on goal achievement

Your Rights

  • Preventive services are voluntary — if self-referred, you can end services when you choose
  • Asking for help will NOT get your kids taken — calling a preventive services provider does not trigger an investigation
  • Confidentiality protections apply — general family struggles shared in services are protected
  • If ACS opens a case: You have the right to know why, the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to refuse entry without a court order
  • If ACS comes to your door: Call Legal Aid Society immediately: 212-577-3300

Common Questions

"Will asking for help get my children removed?" No. Contacting a preventive services provider does not trigger an ACS investigation. Asking for help is what prevents family separation.

"I'm undocumented. Is it safe?" ACS is not an immigration enforcement agency and does not ask about immigration status. NYC is a sanctuary city.

"How long do preventive services last?" On average 9 months. You and your Case Planner determine when to end based on goal achievement.

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