ACS Under Fire: What NYC Social Workers Should Know About Ongoing Oversight Failures
May 16, 2025
Posted by
Training & eTracking Solutions
Last Updated: May 12, 2025
Multiple Reports Highlight Systemic Failures
NYC's Administration for Children's Services (ACS) is facing unprecedented scrutiny following multiple reports exposing critical failures in its oversight of vulnerable children. As social workers on the front lines of child protection, understanding these systemic issues is crucial for both your practice and advocacy efforts.
Recent Update: In 2025, ACS continues to face criticism for preventable child deaths, inadequate juvenile facility oversight, and the controversial expansion of its CARES diversion program. Multiple sources report that several children known to ACS have died under horrific circumstances despite agency involvement.
Key Oversight Failures You Need to Know
1. Child Fatalities Despite ACS Involvement
One of the most damning findings is the occurrence of child deaths in families already known to ACS. Recent reports document several tragic cases:
2. Racial Discrimination Throughout the System
Multiple analyses have exposed profound racial disparities at every stage of the child welfare process. The NYCLU's comprehensive report reveals shocking statistics:
Racial Disparities by the Numbers
Population vs. System Involvement:
ACS's own 2020 internal racial equity audit - which the agency attempted to bury - found that "white parents are presumed to be innocent and are repeatedly given opportunities to fail and try again, while Black and Brown parents are treated at every juncture as if they are not competent parents."
3. Juvenile Detention Center Failures
A 2025 state audit found severe problems at Horizon and Crossroads juvenile centers:
4. Controversial CARES Program Expansion
Under Commissioner Jess Dannhauser, ACS has aggressively expanded the Collaborative Assessment, Response, Engagement & Support (CARES) program. This "non-investigatory" approach has drawn sharp criticism from ACS whistleblowers who argue:
What This Means for Your Practice
Documentation Is Critical
Given the pattern of oversight failures, maintaining meticulous documentation has never been more important. Ensure you:
Be Aware of Bias in the System
Understanding the documented racial disparities should inform your approach:
Know Your Reporting Obligations and Rights
While mandated reporters must fulfill legal obligations, you should also:
Resources for Social Workers
Stay informed and connected with organizations working to address these issues:
• NYC Family Policy Project: Provides data analysis on racial disparities
• NYCLU: Offers legal resources and advocacy
• Bronx Defenders: Provides family defense services
• JMAC for Families: Supports families affected by the child welfare system
Looking Forward: The Need for Systemic Change
While ACS has implemented some reforms, including implicit bias training and the creation of an Office of Equity Strategies, advocates note that these efforts have yet to show meaningful impact at the frontline level.
As social workers, your role in documenting these failures and advocating for change is crucial. The New York City Council continues to push for greater oversight and accountability, but real change requires sustained pressure from both within and outside the system.
"The challenge now is operationalizing it, to see it on the front-line staff level. We have not seen the trickle-down impacts that we're hoping for yet." - Dr. Sophine Charles, Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies
Your work directly impacts the lives of New York's most vulnerable children. By staying informed about these systemic failures and maintaining high professional standards despite institutional challenges, you can help protect children while pushing for the reforms our system desperately needs.
