Who is ACS and what do they do?

ACS is short for the Administration for Children’s Services. In New York City, ACS handles reports of child neglect and abuse. If someone is reported to ACS, they investigate. It can be hard and scary to deal with ACS because they have the power to remove your children from you. They can also come unannounced to your home to investigate. ACS may also speak to your children at school or talk with their teachers, service providers, or doctors.

Having an ACS case doesn’t always mean you did something wrong. Too many good parents go through this process, especially in low-income Black and Brown communities.

When you interact with ACS, they write down everything you say or do. That information can be used against you later—and could be a reason they use to remove your children.

Someone who works with ACS may not look official. They may be a “child protective specialist” or CPS. Or they might just say they are with ACS. If they don’t show you their ID, ask to see it. You should also ask for the supervisor’s name and phone number.

If ACS investigates, you do not have the right to a lawyer, but we strongly encourage you to meet with a lawyer or advocate or contact us for early defense. If your case goes to Family Court, you have the right to a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be assigned to you.

When Speaking with ACS…

• Unless ACS has a court order or search warrant, you have the right to refuse to speak to ACS or let them into your home. If you refuse ACS entry, they will likely continue their investigation. Talk with a lawyer if you do not want to let ACS into your home.
• You are allowed to talk to a lawyer or advocate before you talk to ACS.
• If you have a criminal case, talk with your defense attorney before you talk to ACS.
• You have the right to an interpreter.
• You have the right to preventive services. You can choose to use only the services you think will help your family.
• Answer only the questions ACS asks about the investigation.
• Do not offer any information that isn’t about the allegations in your case. (Allegations are statements that accuse a person of doing something wrong.)
• You don’t have to talk about private information like your medical history or your personal relationships.
• You do not need to tell ACS your immigration status.

If ACS contacts you, we strongly suggest you first reach out to us or another parent defense group.

Has ACS contacted you to say that you are being investigated or told you to come to a “child safety” conference or Family Court? If you answered yes to both questions and want free legal help, contact us before you talk to ACS. You can:

• Fill out our Contact Form
• Call or text 646-809-4308 if you are in Manhattan or Staten Island.
• Call or text 347-286-4365 if you are in Queens.

If you are in the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Harlem, you can speak with an advocate or lawyer at one of the following organizations: 

Bronx
Call the Bronx Defenders at (347) 778-1266 or (718) 838-7878 or email familyintake@bronxdefenders.org


Address: 360 East 161 St, Bronx, NY 10451

Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm

Address of the Bronx Family Court: 900 Sheridan Ave, Bronx, NY 10451

Brooklyn
Call Brooklyn Defenders Services at (646) 974-9343 or (347) 592-2500 or
email familyintake@bds.org


Address of the Brooklyn Family Court: 330 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Manhattan – Harlem
If you live in Manhattan Zip Codes 10025, 10026, 10027, 10029, 10030, 10031, 10032, 10033, 10034, 10035, 10037, 10039 or 10040, call or text Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem at (619) 630-8936 or email fdtintake@ndsny.org


Address: 317 Lenox Ave, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10027