Keeping Children Safe

All children deserve to live without the fear of abuse and neglect. If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, make that call.

Feeling overwhelmed? - Get Help

Parenting is tough. Keeping your baby safe means looking after your own well-being.

• Do you need support with concerns about past or present substance use? BabySTEPs helpline is a trusted, free and easy to use, confidential service for individuals who are pregnant or parenting a baby under one year old with concerns about past or present substance use. Connect with BabySTEPs Helpline today!
• Throughout the City, resources are available to provide support services to overwhelmed parents. The NYC Administration for Children's Services can connect you to a wide range of free services and resources aimed at making families and communities stronger. To find services in your area, we encourage you to call the Support Line at (212) 676-7667 or email connect@acs.nyc.gov
  
• Be cautious when leaving children with caregivers. Learn more for tips on choosing a safe caregiver for your child.
• Is your teen acting out? Contact the ACS Family Assessment Project (FAP) in your borough for help.

Child Safety and Well-Being

It takes all of us working together to give children healthy, happy, and safe childhoods. These resources provide information to help keep children safe.

Burn/Fire Prevention Tips and Resources:

ACS and our partners invite you to join us in spreading awareness about the importance of fire safety. During the winter months especially, many families use portable electric space heaters to help keep warm. The fatal fire that took place on January 9, 2022 in the Bronx - sparked by a defective electric heater and claiming the lives of 17 people, including 8 children - is a tragic reminder to all New Yorkers to practice fire safety.

Please use and share the following fire and burn prevention safety tips and resources:

• FDNY Smart: The FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit provides videos, podcasts and literature on all aspects of fire safety. The literature and website are available in over 20 different languages. They also provide in person and virtual presentations. Learn more at www.FDNYSmart.org
• Safe Kids Worldwide: This nonprofit organization works to help families and communities keep children safe from injuries, and offers the following fire safety guidance and tips for parents:
  • Fire safety checklist
  • Fire safety tips
  • Home fire escape plans

Preventing Hazards:

A Life to Love: Preventing Accidental Injury to Our Most Cherished Resource

• Preventing Accidental Injuries: Learn how to avoid some of the most common and dangerous child and infant-related injuries.
  • Download a booklet on how to keep your baby safe from accidental injuries.
  • Read more for additional resources from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
• Cannabis Edibles: Many cannabis edibles look like candy or food to children, but they are dangerous. Learn more about how to store them safely.
• Look Before You Lock: Children should never be left unattended or be able to get inside a vehicle on their own, any time of the year but especially in warmer months.
• Medication Safety: Learn about how to keep your children safe from medicine & other dangerous household products.
• Safe Sleep for Babies: Tips on how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby.
• Summer Safety: Information on how to have a fun but safe summer.
• Window Guard Safety: Information on installing lifesaving window guards.

New York State’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act

New York State’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act allows a parent to abandon a newborn baby up to 30 days of age anonymously and without fear of prosecution -- if the baby is abandoned in a safe manner. A parent is not guilty of a crime if the infant is left with an appropriate person or in a suitable location and the parent promptly notifies an appropriate person of the infant’s location. A hospital, staffed police or fire station are examples of safe and suitable choices.

For more information regarding the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, call toll free: 866-505-SAFE (7233).

Get Involved

We encourage you to get involved in the lives of children in your communities by tutoring, mentoring, coaching, or volunteering.

Adult Protective Services

To report abuse and neglect of an adult 18 years old and older, call the New York State Adult Protective Services at 844-697-3505. Learn more about NYC services for adults who are physically and/or mentally impaired and need help to live safely in their homes.