The second partnership critical to neighborhood-based services is between these agencies. The third partnership ACS seeks to build through neighborhood-based services is with every New Yorker. One agency alone cannot prevent child abuse and neglect - the community's involvement is essential. We can all help stop child abuse and neglect in our neighborhoods by knowing the signs and reporting suspected cases. In addition, New Yorkers are encouraged to consider becoming foster parents.
Foster parents are essential partners to the child welfare system.
ACS relies on available foster parents in each neighborhood to make the best possible placement for a child - one that is near the child's parents, friends and school. While the number of children entering foster care is declining, the City still faces a critical need for foster parents who are able to provide safe, stable, temporary homes for children in foster care.