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Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships (OCEP)

The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships (OCEP) supports ACS-funded community-based programs and promotes primary prevention and child and family well-being strategies. ACS contracts directly with non-for-profit corporations to establish and operate two community-based initiatives, the Community Partnership Program and the Family Enrichment Centers (FEC). OCEP also organizes Demystifying ACS workshops for providers and residents. All OCEP initiatives are voluntary and open to all New York City residents.

Contact and Monthly Meeting Information for the Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships

ACS funds 11 Community Partnerships, which serve as ambassadors to the community, advocates for families, and advisors to ACS. The Community Partnerships were first established in 2007 as a commitment from ACS to partner directly with communities to ensure everyone – from government agencies to social service providers, faith-based groups, and local leaders – is involved in efforts to support New York City children and families.

Community Partnerships are neighborhood coalitions that serve as local hubs for social service providers, community leaders, and residents to share local resources and information, address community needs, design and promote strategies to reduce the potential need for child welfare involvement and support communities to thrive. The partnerships host open, monthly meetings in all five boroughs. There is no case management offered. Sharing names, address and other information is optional and is not needed in order to participate in or attend a Community Partnership.

  • Bronx
    • Highbridge
    • Hunts Point
    • Mott Haven
  • Brooklyn
    • East New York
    • Bushwick
    • Bedford Stuyvesant
    • East Flatbush
  • Queens
    • Jamaica
    • Elmhurst
  • Manhattan
    • East Harlem
  • Staten Island
    • St. George
Blue background with an animation of people shaking hands. Text reads: Build Partnerships Connect with your neighbors, service providers, community leaders and learn about what’s going on in your community.
Blue background with an animation of message bubbles. Text reads: Support Community Knowledge Sharing Bring your ideas about how you and others can work together to support the well-being of children, youth and families.
Blue background with an animation of a gear and wrench. Text reads: Facilitate Service Referral and Utilization Participate in or lead workshops, events, resources fairs and much more!
Blue background with an animation of silhouettes of people. Text reads: Build Social Capital and Community Capacity Represent your community as a Community Leader and help build relationships and grow our network of partners.
Blue background with an animation of city buildings. Text reads: Inform City Policy and Practice Come join a Community Partnership! There are 11 partnerships located throughout the five boroughs that help bring people together.

Community Partnership Resources

Family Enrichment Centers (FEC)

Family Enrichment Centers are a family-centered, primary prevention model that provide community-designed supports in a warm, inviting home-like space where neighbors can connect, contribute to their community, find resources, support one another, and build strategies that help families thrive.

Demystifying ACS

Demystifying ACS workshops are designed to increase communities’ understanding of ACS’ policies and procedures and how to access ACS resources and services.

All Demystifying ACS workshops are facilitated by OCEP and include staff from ACS’ Division of Child Protection, Division of Preventive Services, and representatives from local community partners. Additional ACS programs and departments can participate upon request, including:

  • Child Trafficking Prevention and Policy
  • Family Permanency Services
  • Family Court Legal Services
  • Office of Advocacy
  • Office of Safety First
  • Office of Education Policy and Support
  • Infant Safe Sleep
  • Youth and Family Justice

To request a workshop, email OCEPMailbox@acs.nyc.gov.