Administration for Children’s Services Recognizes April as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month"
April 1, 2026
Throughout the Month, ACS Will Raise Awareness About How Families Can Access Concrete Resources and Supportive Services
Families Can Call the Support Line: 212-676-7667
NEW YORK, NY – The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) joins the country in recognizing April as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” Throughout the month, ACS will promote its dedicated Support Line (212-676-7667) so that New York City families know that, when they are in need, they can call for help with food, diapers, clothing or services like counseling, substance use treatment, domestic violence interventions and more. With the help of the Parks Department, ACS will also host several awareness events in local parks. Finally, ACS is teaming up with Scouting America, Greater New York Council to host a day of outdoor activities for children at the Alpine Scout Camp.
"This month, the Mamdani Administration is getting the word out that ACS is here to support New York families, even in the toughest situations," said NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. "For National Child Abuse Prevention Month, ACS is spotlighting its Support Line, which can connect families to resources like food, clothing, counseling, domestic violence interventions, and more. So many New Yorkers have received assistance from ACS, and we aim to spend the month of April letting more families know that help is just a phone call away."
“Throughout the month, and all throughout the year, ACS is making sure families know about the many services and supports available to them in New York City,” said Melissa Hester, Interim Commissioner at the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. “ACS created its Support Line to make it easier for families to access whatever it is they need to thrive. We encourage any parent or caregiver to call the Support Line for more information about the services available to their family and we encourage all New Yorkers to help us raise awareness about this important resource.”
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to highlight the work we are doing in service of families and children, connecting them with the support and resources they need to live safe, happy lives,” said Luisa Linares, Deputy Commissioner for the Family Services Division. “Throughout the month, we’ll be getting the message out to families that they don’t have to face their challenges alone. ACS and our partners across the city have all types of supports available to families and we encourage anyone who needs a helping hand to reach out. All children in New York City deserve a happy and healthy childhood”
ACS currently contracts with over 100 programs throughout New York City that offer supportive services to eligible families, including: substance misuse treatment, counseling, homemaking, help with accessing public benefits and more. New York City’s investments in these types of services have grown over the past three decades, leading to a historically low foster care census and thousands more children remaining safely at home and in their communities. In 2025, over 33,000 children were served by these types of programs. Any family can access these services for free.
A 2025 survey showed families’ strong satisfaction with the services they were receiving through ACS contracted providers. With over 2,400 caregivers participating in the survey, 94 percent said the services were helping them achieve their goals; 95 percent said they are happy with the services their families received; 92 percent said they would recommend the services to a family member and/or a friend; and 92 percent said they would go to their service provider for help again in the future. An overwhelming majority, 97 percent, were satisfied with the work of their case planners.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, or looking for mental health or substance use resources, contact 988. Free, confidential help is available 24/7 regardless of immigration or insurance status, in over 200 languages via call, text or chat online at nyc.gov/988.
“At the core of DYCD’s mission is ensuring that young New Yorkers and their families have access to critical resources so they can thrive in safe and supportive environments,” said NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies. “DYCD is proud to stand with ACS and our sister agencies during National Child Abuse Prevention Month—and throughout the year—to raise awareness and give our children the helping hand they deserve.”
“No New Yorker should go without support because they can’t afford it or don't know where to go,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. “The NYC Health Department is committed to supporting low barrier access to resources that promote healthier families, including community classes, mental health support, and health-focused home visits. This is public health, and together, we can give families the tools they need for long-term success.”
“Safe, stable, nurturing relationships are a key to living your healthiest life, and child abuse prevention starts with making sure families have the support they need to develop and protect those relationships,” said Aaron Miller, MD, MPA, Assistant Vice President for Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment at NYC Health + Hospitals. “When parents and caregivers can access concrete resources and voluntary services early on, we reduce stress, strengthen families, and create safer environments for children to grow and thrive. National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to remind New Yorkers that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that support is available.”
“Schools are often the first place where a child’s needs come to light, which is why partnerships with city agencies like ACS are so important,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “This month, I want to assure all New York City families that support is available whether through ACS or the many free resources offered across our school communities. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn, and we are committed to make that a reality for all New York City students and families.”
"Child Abuse Prevention Month is a critical reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving home where they can thrive,” said Saloni Sethi, Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV). “Children who see or experience domestic violence often carry fear, confusion and trauma that can affect their well-being and development. That’s why we are committed to providing families with trauma-informed care that breaks intergenerational cycles of abuse and prevents future violence. ENDGBV is proud to partner with ACS to connect families to the support they deserve.”
“We are proud to partner with ACS during National Child Abuse Prevention Month to bring resources, awareness, and supportive programming into our parks, so families can gather, find community, and access the help they need,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Parks are more than green spaces — they are places of healing, reflection, and connection for families across New York City. By creating safe, welcoming spaces in every borough, we are helping ensure that every child and caregiver has the opportunity to thrive.”
“Caring for the safety and well‑being of children and their families is at the heart of our work at the Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health,” said OCMH Executive Director Eva Wong. “We are proud to stand with our partners at ACS to strengthen prevention efforts and advance the supports families need to thrive during Child Abuse Awareness Month, and throughout the year. We recognize that protecting children begins with supporting family mental health and ensuring communities have access to timely, culturally responsive care that helps create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children.”
"Every child deserves to grow up safe, and every family deserves access to the support they need to make that possible. ACS's Support Line is exactly the kind of resource that keeps families together and out of the child welfare system — and I am extremely grateful to our partners at ACS for their proactive leadership in getting the word out about the comprehensive services that are available. Prevention is our best chance to give families the best possible outcomes, and that will remain our North Star when it comes to serving children and families," said Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, Chair, Committee on Children & Families.
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment, and every family deserves to know they are not alone in making that possible. As Chair of the Committee on Children and Youth, I believe prevention starts with access: to resources, support, and community. This month is not just about raising awareness, but about reaffirming our commitment to meeting families where they are with compassion, dignity, and real solutions. When we invest in families, we protect our children and strengthen the future of our city," said Council Member Althea Stevens.
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