Resources

Resources

For all of us, emotional and mental health are essential to our overall well-being, helping us to achieve our goals, form meaningful relationships, take pleasure in activities, and enhance our physical health. At times, we may experience stressors that interfere with our emotional well-being and mental health, such as traumatic events, loss, or other types of crises.

When these feelings happen during or after difficult experiences, it is easy to feel alone, unsure of what to do or where to reach out for help.

There is help available! New York City has a wide array of services that are specifically designed to help you manage and recover from challenging or stressful experiences.

This guide is meant to help New Yorkers find direct resources for parenting challenges, navigating the NYC education system, accessing mental and emotional health supports, and offering ways to get involved in advocacy for children, youth, and families in NYC.

My child is struggling in school.

NYC Department of Education

NYC DOE offers parents and caregivers many ways to stay connected with students’ education, classroom, school, and the Department of Education.


Family Resource Centers

The Family Resource Centers (FRCs) provide individual and group-based family support services to parents/caregivers of children and youth (birth – 24 years) who have or are at risk for developing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, using a family and youth peer model. FRCs are located in all 5 boroughs of NYC.

  • Contact Information: Salena Mullen, smullen@health.nyc.gov; Phone: 347-396-7070, NYC DOHMH Bureau of Children, Youth, and Families
  • Services Provided:
    • Family and Youth Peer Support includes emotional support, advocacy to navigate child-serving systems, and information about mental health
    • Referrals to appropriate services and resources
    • Skill development through educational workshops


IncludeNYC

IncludeNYC provides training and information for young people with any disability (birth-26 years), their families, and professionals who support them. Their programs create access to educational, employment, and independent living opportunities, and advocate with families for meaningful inclusion in the broader community.

  • Contact Information: info@includenyc.org; Phone: 212-677-4650
  • Services Provided:
    • Help Line: English, Phone: 212-677-4660, Text: 646-693-3175; Español, Llame: 212-677-4668, Texto: 646-693-3157; What’sApp: 212-858-0795. Provides in-depth, one-to-one help and referral information. Available Mon-Thurs 9AM – 4PM.
    • Project Possibility provides direct support for youth who are transitioning into adult life. Download a referral application.
    • Workshops for parents and professionals with topics including understanding IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), special education process, school placement, accessing work and public benefits, and parent advocacy.
    • High School Launch for special education students to participate meaningfully and advocate in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and schools
    • Bridges uses workshops and activities to develop social-emotional competencies and life skills critical for independent living for young adults


Advocates for Children

Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) serves children and youth (ages 0-26) in New York City struggling or experiencing discrimination in school or early learning programs. AFC does not consider immigration status when deciding whether to help you.

  • Contact Information: info@advocatesforchildren.org; Phone: 212-947-9779
  • Services Provided:
    • Helpline 866-427-6033 offers education specialists and attorneys for free legal representation to low-income families to protect their child’s education-related rights and obtain support. Available Mon – Thurs 10AM – 4PM
    • Trainings and workshops on education topics so that parents, students, and professionals can solve problems and better advocate for themselves.
    • Guides and Resources about knowing your rights and advocacy

I’m looking for support from other parents.

Families on the Move

Families On The Move of New York City, Inc. (FOTM) is a citywide family-run organization that advocates for the rights and full participation to all children and families who have experienced or are experiencing learning, behavioral, emotional, mental wellness, and/or substance use challenges with the goal to promote health and wellness.

  • Contact Information: info@fotmnyc.org; Phone: 347-682-4870
  • Services Provided:
    • Young Adult Supported Education & Employment Program (YASEEP) offers a “One Stop, Job Spot” for job-related needs including, resume development, free interview attire, job placement, paid internships & more.
    • Family Peer Support Services provides information, support, and advocacy to support families and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges.
    • Workshops and Trainings focused on mental health, job readiness, peer recovery, motivational interviewing, anger management and more.


Family Resource Centers

The Family Resource Centers (FRCs) provide individual and group-based family support services to parents/caregivers of children and youth (birth – 24 years) who have or are at risk for developing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, using a family and youth peer model. FRCs are located in all 5 boroughs of NYC.

  • Contact Information: Salena Mullen, smullen@health.nyc.gov; Phone: 347-396-7070, NYC DOHMH Bureau of Children, Youth, and Families
  • Services Provided:
    • Family and Youth Peer Support includes emotional support, advocacy to navigate child-serving systems, and information about mental health
    • Referrals to appropriate services and resources
    • Skill development through educational workshops


National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – NYC Metro Chapter

NAMI NYC-Metro’s mission is to help families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy.

  • Contact Information: helpline@naminyc.org; Phone: 212-684-3264
  • Services Provided:
    • Helpline: Helpline provides support when mental health challenges are affecting you or someone you love.
    • Support: Support groups, classes, Family Match, and Parent Match.
    • Presentations: NAMI provides presentations throughout the NYC metro area to a range of businesses, faith-based groups, hospitals, mental health facilities, middle and high schools, and universities.

Who can I turn to for help with an open ACS case?

ACS Office of Advocacy

The Office of Advocacy provides information and responds to the concerns of parents, youth, foster parents, and others affected by the child welfare system, juvenile justice system, and other ACS services.

  • Contact Information: 212-676-9421
  • Services Provided:
    • Incarcerated parents may call collect: 212-619-1309 or 212-341-3322
    • Teletype for the hearing impaired: 212-442-1447
    • Send a message to the Office


Center for Family Representation – Manhattan and Queens only

For parents or caretakers who have been told by the Administration for Children’s Services to attend a child safety conference or to go to Family Court, CFR has lawyers, parent advocates, and social workers who represent parents in Family Court for FREE. CFR staff do not work for ACS.

  • Contact Information: CFRIntake@cfrny.org
    • Phone: 646-809-4308 (if you are in Manhattan)
    • Phone or Text: 347-286-4365 (if you are in Queens)
    • If you are being investigated by ACS and live in Queens or Manhattan, email investigationhelp@cfrny.org
    • If you want to clear your name from the State Central Register, email SCRHelp@cfrny.org

How can I find services for me and my children?

NYC WELL

NYC Well is New York City’s free, confidential support, crisis intervention, and information and referral service for anyone seeking help for mental health and/or substance misuse concerns, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

  • Contact Information: Phone: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355); 1-888-692-9355 (Español); 1-888-692-9355 (中文); 711 (TTY for hearing impaired); Text WELL to 65173


HITE (Health Information Tool for Empowerment)

The Health Information Tool for Empowerment (HITE) is an online directory offering information on more than 5,700 health and social services available to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals in New York City, Long Island and Westchester. Free and open to the public, HITE helps connect users to vital community services quickly and easily.

  • Contact Information: 1-866-370-HITE (4483)


NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) supports New York City youth and their families by funding a wide range of high-quality youth and community development programs, including: After School, Runaway and Homeless Youth centers, Family Support, Literacy Services, Youth Development Programs, Immigration Services & Youth Workforce Development.

I do not understand my child’s behavior, where can I get support as a parent and help for my child?

Children’s Mobile Crisis Teams

Children’s Mobile Crisis Teams provide care and short-term management for children and adolescents 20 and younger who are experiencing severe behavioral crisis. All teams consist of mental health professionals and family peer advocates. Between the hours of 8 AM and 10 PM, they provide an in-person visit within two hours of receiving a referral. Between 10 PM and 8 AM, they will call with a response within 30 minutes of receiving a referral. This service is for people who do not need immediate hospitalization.

  • Contact Information: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
  • Services Provided:
    • Assessment
    • Crisis intervention
    • Supportive counseling
    • Referrals and connection to services


NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Child & Adolescent Services – Mental Health Services and Mental Health Emergency / Crisis

  • Contact Information: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)


DOHMH Crisis Respite Centers

Crisis Respite Centers provide an alternative to hospitalization for people experiencing emotional crises, offering stays for up to one week.

  • Contact Information:
    • Community Access, Inc. – Crisis Respite Center (Manhattan), 315 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003; Phone: 646-257-5665, x8401
    • Riverdale Mental Health Association – Crisis Respite Center (Bronx), 640-642 West 232nd Street, Bronx, NY 10463; Phone: 718-884-2992
    • Services for the Underserved – Crisis Respite Center (Brooklyn), 2118 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212; Phone: 347-505-0870
    • Transitional Services for New York – Crisis Respite Center (Queens), 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village, NY 11427; Phone: 718-464-0375
  • Services Provided:
    • 24-hour peer support
    • Self-advocacy education
    • Psychoeducation
    • Self-help training
    • Social support groups
    • Recreational Activities
    • Linkage to Medical and Psychiatric Providers


HBCI (Home-Based Crisis Intervention)

HBCI programs provide intensive in-home crisis care to children between 5 and 18 years old. Services are typically provided for 4-6 weeks, as an alternative to hospitalization for children and adolescents experiencing severe emotional distress.

  • Contact Information: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
  • Services Provided:
    • Crisis intervention
    • Building problem-solving skills
    • Individual and family counseling
    • Connection to community-based resources
    • Case management
    • Medication evaluation and management


Children’s Aid Society

Children’s Aid offers comprehensive, home-based services to keep families together after destabilizing events or ongoing crisis. Their interventions enhance relationships, help alleviate triggers that lead to unhealthy behaviors, and help parents learn to manage their responses.

  • Contact Information: 212.949.4800
  • Services Provided:
    • General Preventive Programs
    • Evidence-Based Practices
    • Homemaking Services


ACS Family Assessment Program (FAP)

FAP provides support to families that are struggling with everyday challenges with youth and young adults. Services include crisis intervention, mediation, family counseling, substance abuse services, mental health services, domestic violence programs and anger management programs. FAP works to strengthen families, reduce conflict, and connect families to services that provide ongoing support. It helps families handle concerns such as a child running away, skipping school, or disruptive behavior, without having to go to court. Any family can get help from the ACS Family Assessment Program.

  • Contact Information: FAPinquiry@acs.nyc.gov
    • Bronx office: 718-664-1800
    • Brooklyn office: 646-584-5178 / 347-907-0464 / 646-584-8935
    • Manhattan office: 212-341-0012
    • Staten Island office: 718-720-0418 / 646-276-4170
    • Queens office: 646-599-3308 / 718-725-3244
  • Services Provided:

I need help coordinating all of my appointments and services.

Children’s Single Point of Access (CSPOA)

Children’s Single Point of Access (CSPOA) is a centralized referral system for children with serious emotional disturbance who need intensive mental health services to remain at home or in their community. CSPOA can direct patients as old as 21 to a variety of high-end community services.

  • Contact Information: 347-396-7205
  • Services Provided:
    • Health Home Care Management (ages 0-21): Provides care coordination to youth with chronic behavioral and physical health needs. A care manager will provide various services, including an individualized plan of care and patient advocacy.
    • Non-Medicaid Care Coordination (ages 0-21): Provides care coordination to youth who are diagnosed with severe emotional disturbance. A care manager will provide various services, including an individualized plan of care and patient advocacy.
    • Community Residence (ages 5-17): Small therapeutic group homes that provide housing and supervision from specially trained staff. Services include structured daily living activities and training in problem-solving skills. Clinical services are provided by local mental health programs.


Health Homes

Health Homes are a group of organizations working closely together to provide physical health, mental health and addiction services. The Health Home will assign a Care Manager who brings together all of these services for an individual.

  • Contact Information: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
  • Services Provided:
    • Person-centered Planning
    • Setting up & Reviewing Services
    • Health Tips
    • Follow-up Care
    • Family Support Services

Who can I turn to if I have an issue with my child’s provider?

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Bureau of Children Youth & Families

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Bureau of Children Youth & Families works to strengthen the mental health and social emotional well-being of children and youth in NYC through policy, planning, research, health prevention and promotion, and program development and oversight.

  • Contact Information: 1-800-663-6114; Email


NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) supports New York City youth and their families by funding a wide range of high-quality youth and community development programs

  • Contact Information: 1-800-246-4646


NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)

NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care and education services

  • Contact Information: Office of Advocacy 212-676-9421


NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)

Statewide Child Welfare Agency. Operates the State Central Registry. Operates Youth Correctional Facilities. Contracts with local governments for child protection, prevention, juvenile justice and afterschool programs.

  • Contact Information: 1-518-473-7793


New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH)

New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH) operates psychiatric centers across the State. OMH also regulates, certifies and oversees more than 4,500 programs, operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies.

  • Contact Information: OMH Customer Relations 1-800-597-8481


NYS Department of Health (DOH)

State Health Department. Licenses hospitals and certifies Health Homes. Manages the State Medicaid system. Regulates Managed Care Companies.

  • Contact Information:
    • Hospitals Hotline: 1-800-804-5447
    • Managed Care Hotline: 1-800-206-8125


Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

State licensing agency for substance use services, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

  • Contact Information: 1-518-473-3460

My child has developmental delays, how do I get help?

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and other neurological impairments.

  • Contact Information:
    • Front Door Office Queens: 718-217-6485
    • Front Door Office Brooklyn: 718-642-8576
    • Front Door Office Manhattan: 646-766-3220
    • Front Door Office Bronx: 718-430-0757
    • Front Door Office Staten Island: 718-982-1913


Early Intervention

The Early Intervention Program helps young children (birth to 3 years) who are not learning, playing, growing, talking or walking like other children their age. The program works with your family to set meaningful goals for your child and create a service plan to help your child and your family meet those goals.

  • Contact Information:
    • Bronx: 718-838-6887
    • Brooklyn: 718-722-3310 (main) / 718-722-7824 (referrals)
    • Manhattan: 212-436-0900
    • Queens: 718-553-3954
    • Staten Island: 718-568-2300


IncludeNYC

IncludeNYC provides training and information for young people with any disability (birth-26 years), their families, and professionals who support them. Their programs create access to educational, employment, and independent living opportunities, and advocate with families for meaningful inclusion in the broader community.

  • Contact Information: info@includenyc.org; Phone: 212-677-4650
  • Services Provided:
    • Help Line: English, Phone: 212-677-4660, Text: 646-693-3175; Español, Llame: 212-677-4668, Texto: 646-693-3157; What’sApp: 212-858-0795. Provides in-depth, one-to-one help and referral information. Available Mon-Thurs 9AM – 4PM.
    • Project Possibility provides direct support for youth who are transitioning into adult life. Download a referral application.
    • Workshops for parents and professionals with topics including understanding IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), special education process, school placement, accessing work and public benefits, and parent advocacy.
    • High School Launch for special education students to participate meaningfully and advocate in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and schools
    • Bridges uses workshops and activities to develop social-emotional competencies and life skills critical for independent living for young adults


Committee on Preschool Education/Committee on Special Education (CPSE/CSE)

All students with disabilities who require special education services have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The IEP contains information about your child’s interests, strengths, needs, goals, and educational program. IEPs are accessed through the CPSE/CSE.

I’m worried about getting evicted.

Homebase

Homebase provides support for developing a personalized plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability.

  • People may be eligible for Homebase services if they:
    • Are at imminent risk of entering the New York City shelter system
    • Are low-income
    • Want to remain stably-housed in their community


ACCESS NYC

ACCESS NYC provides a mobile-friendly front door for New Yorkers to screen for benefit and program eligibility, learn how to apply, gather required documents, and find local help. Support for residents with low digital literacy, residents with limited technology access, mobile phone dependent, residents who do not speak fluent English, and residents with limited visual capabilities.

  • Services include:
    • Eligibility Screening
    • Program Guides
    • Find Help Nearby


Coalition for the Homeless Eviction Prevention Program

Coalition for Homeless Eviction Prevention Program is open Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m. If you have questions regarding rent arrears, your eligibility for assistance or your rights, please call our Eviction Prevention Hotline to speak with an advocate Wednesday at 9:30am.

  • Services include:
    • Hotline – Contact Information: 212-776-2039
    • Small Grants – In order to qualify, you must be in court, have a signed court stipulation and have future ability to pay your ongoing rent


NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) and Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement

The New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services (HRA/DSS) is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. FHEP provides rent supplements to families with children who receive Cash Assistance and are facing eviction or have been evicted due to domestic violence or health and safety issues at their home.

  • Contact Information: 718-557-1399

How can I get more involved in advocacy for children and youth’s mental and emotional health?

Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative of NYC (CCSI) Borough Based Councils (BBCs)

The Borough Based Councils (BBC) are monthly meetings for family members, youth and family service providers across all service systems to share information and resources, to identify local solutions to service delivery issues, be a place for family members and youth to bring their thoughts and concerns about child, youth and family services to the table, and to identify gaps in service and cross-systems issues that require problem-solving at the city or state level.


Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative of NYC (CCSI) Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

The CCSI YAC is a space created FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH for those aged 16 to 30 with a variety of lived experience in systems: behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, and others. We exist so that we can give feedback and critiques to systems, announce what isn’t working, and to solve problems collectively. The YAC collaborates with city and state leaders and community supporters to improve the life and situations faced by youth in mental and emotional health systems.


Citizens Committee for Children (CCC) Community Leadership Course

The Community Leadership Course (CLC) is a 10-week course for adults offered every Fall. Participants spend one day a week immersed in different children’s issues and learn about effective child advocacy campaigns. Upon completion, participants often join CCC’s Advocacy Council for additional civic engagement opportunities.

  • Contact Information: 212-673-1800


Community Education Councils/Citywide Educational Councils (CEC)

Education Councils are part of New York City’s school governance structure. There is a Community Education Council (CEC) for every community school district. There are also four Citywide Councils.


Families On The Move NYC (FOTM)

Families On The Move of New York City, Inc. (FOTM) is a citywide family-run organization that advocates for the rights and full participation to all children and families who have experienced or are experiencing learning, behavioral, emotional, mental wellness, and/or substance use challenges with the goal to promote health and wellness across the Health and Behavioral Health Systems. FOTM serves families in all five boroughs.


Families Together NYS

Families Together in New York State is a family-run organization that represents families of children with social, emotional, behavioral and cross-systems challenges. Families Together supports families from across the state whose children have been involved in many systems including mental health, substance abuse, special education, juvenile justice, and foster care.


NYC Community Boards

Community boards play an important role in improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers, but many people don’t know a lot about them or how they operate. We urge you to browse their page to discover how your community board can help you, and how you may be able to help your community board.

Additional Resources

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NYC Youth Peer Advocacy Survey Report
NYC Youth Peer Advocacy Survey ReportBrochureAdvocacy, Child Welfare & Fostercare, Youth[…] Read More… from NYC Youth Peer Advocacy Survey Reportwww.naminycmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/NYC-Youth-Peer-Advocacy-Report_Final-2019.pdfadvocacy child-welfare-fostercare youthbrochure
New York City Administration for Children’s Services Community Partnership Programs (CPP)WebsiteChild Welfare & Fostercare[…] Read More… from New York City Administration for Children’s Services Community Partnership Programs (CPP)www1.nyc.gov/site/acs/about/acs-community.pagechild-welfare-fostercarewebsite
NYC Family Justice Centers Guide
NYC Family Justice Centers GuideBrochureChild Welfare & Fostercare, Childcare[…] Read More… from NYC Family Justice Centers Guidewww.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/downloads/pdf/Materials_FJC_OnePage_English.pdfchild-welfare-fostercare childcarebrochure