A Social Change Through a Social System

Abstract

The Administration for children Services as been around for over ten years. Their purpose is to ensure safety for all children in New York. Their service reaches out to children of all ages, from all race and social background. Their services includes assessing risk and safety based on reported allegations, protecting those in imminent danger, and providing preventative measures for those who might be at further risk. The works of ACS is interconnected with that of other agencies and individuals to bring about a positive change to the clients. The workers implement various theories to help them decide on the best services needed for each client.

In spite of all the services that ACS provides the workers are also in need of services for themselves and family members. Sexual harassment, violence on the job and difficult supervisors are some of the reasons why a worker would seek counseling. Still, the greatest risk that a case worker could face is that of a disgruntled client. A well trained and informed worker can make a difference in the life of a family in need.

Introduction

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) was created on January 10th1996 and was the first agency created solely to serve children and their families. The mission statement of ACS is: “To ensure the safety and well-being of all the children of New York.” (Division of Child Protection handout booklet).

To fulfill this mission ACS seeks to (1) protect the children by responding to, and investigating the allegations of child abuse and neglect, (2) help families by providing counselors, and referrals to drug and other preventive services, (3) recruit and train foster parents to provide safe and temporary homes for children, (4) assure that abused children are placed in suitable homes with birth parents, adoptive parents, or foster homes as soon as possible, (5) assist older children in preparation for adulthood with the help of Independent Living programs and other training programs,(6) provide assistance for mothers through family day care and center-based care, (7) ensures that absent parents plays an active role in the financial support of their children. Overall, this agency aims to bring a positive change to the lives of the adolescents seen everyday. ACS and Other Change Agents

The Administration for Children’s Services is committed to providing the highest quality services to all children regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, cultural heritage, disability, special needs, gender, age or sexual orientation. ACS, along with many concern citizens, organizations, business, foundations, communities and houses of worship are serving as change agents to ensure that every child is safe in a loving, permanent home. These changes are necessary in order to prevent further abuse and neglect and to help the abusers recognized, control and eliminate their abusive behavior.