Administration for Children's Services311Search all NYC.gov websites
التصدي لف ريوس كورونا المُستجد COVID-19 (Arabic)
COVID-19 মোকাবেলা করা (Bengali)
应对 COVID-19 (Chinese)
Faire face aux difficultés pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 (French)
COVID-19 극복하기 (Korean)
Fè fas ak COVID-19 (Haitian Creole)
Jak radzić sobie podczas pandemii COVID-19 (Polish)
Преодолеем COVID-19 вместе (Russian)
Maneras de sobrellevar el COVID-19 (Spanish)
کا مقابلہ کرنا COVID-19 (Urdu)
Coping Through COVID-19
Stay Up-to-Date With Health Information
Access To Food
Access To Cell Service and WiFi
Help with Housing, Paying Rent, and/or Preventing Eviction
Education
Free Mental Health Services
Help Using Telehealth Services
Access To Fitness
Alcohol and Drug Use
Face Coverings
Parenting Tips
Resources for Teens
Connections In Your Neighborhood
Plan for Your Child in Case You Get Sick
Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on New York City, ACS and the City of New York have developed a list of resources for those seeking assistance.
The following information aims to connect New Yorkers and their loved ones to day-to-day resources they may need, including: greater access to food and internet; housing and rental assistance; and medical, mental health and drug treatment services. You can also check HelpNowNYC for ways the City of New York and its partners are providing help, or to support COVID-19 response efforts.
Being a parent or caregiver can be challenging, especially right now. If you are a parent, or currently caring for children or teens, the list below provides information on how to de-stress. You can also find free educational activities for children staying at home.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or gender-based violence, help is available. Call 311 to be connected to the nearest NYC Family Justice Center or see phone numbers listed below. Find resources and support by searching the City's NYC HOPE Resource Directory. Call the NYC's 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673) for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and other resources. TTY: 800-810-7444. In an emergency, dial 911.
Available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.:
NYC Family Justice Center, Queens Call 718-575-4545
NYC Family Justice Center, Brooklyn Call 718-250-5113
NYC Family Justice Center, Bronx Call 718-508-1220
NYC Family Justice Center, Manhattan Call 212-602-2800
NYC Family Justice Center, Staten Island Call 718-697-4300
The Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence has created printable flyers, resources, and toolkits in 11 languages that can be found here.
Stay Up-to-Date With Health Information
It is important your child doesn't fall behind on their non-COVID vaccine schedule. NYC Health + Hospitals is offering free vaccinations for children up to 2 years old. In addition, children over the age of 6 months are now eligible for vaccination. Special attention has been placed on ensuring that hospital sites are safe and are following recommendations to decrease visitor's exposure to germs. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) to make an appointment.
Please visit DOHMH's website for more information (including translated materials).
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an inflammatory response to a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with MIS-C reported to the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have ranged in age from infancy to young adulthood. Most MIS-C patients present with fever, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and multisystem abnormalities which are usually not respiratory in nature. Rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea are common symptoms. MIS-C is a rare but serious inflammatory condition, such as Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome.
Very sick children with a possible MIS-C case should be referred to the emergency department (ED) of the children's hospital where they typically obtain care, or to the closest ED where care by pediatric subspecialists is available, when possible. Children with an illness potentially compatible with MIS-C who seem to be doing well and do not meet criteria for ED referral initially should be follow-up solely by their pediatrician.
Access To Food
For information about food pantries and meal programs that serve New York City children and families, as well as seniors and other individuals at risk of hunger, please see the following:
- Food Pantries
- A Map of Food Pantries Across NYC
- The New York City Human Resources Administration is committed to making free meals and food available daily for any New Yorker. Any New Yorker who wants free meals and food can get them at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city. View more for locations, hours, and more information. No registration or ID is required.
- Free Food Delivery for Individuals Who Are Homebound
- City Meals on Wheels: If you are 60 years of age or older, unable to prepare meals, and live at home, click here.
- SNAP Benefits
- NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides: To help community members in need of food, The Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center has created COVID-19 food resource guides for each NYC neighborhood.
Many of us are trying to stretch our food budgets, think of creative new recipes, and get the whole family involved with meal preparation to make it less burdensome and more fun. Below are some resources to help:
- My Plate Kitchen offers searchable recipes by course, nutrition, food group, cooking equipment and cost. They are also offering SNAP recipes which are healthy, easy to make, and tasty.
- Good Housekeeping has recipes, prep ideas, and ingredient substitutions for creative meals while practicing social distancing at home.
- Food Literacy Program provides healthy recipes and cooking lessons for parents to do with their kids.
- Food52 connects viewers to free online cooking classes with 12 different professional chefs.
Access To Cell Service and WiFi
Gaining access to cell phone service, internet and/or WiFi can make all the difference as we continue to social distance, work from home and learn remotely. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some carriers are offering discounts or other relief to their customers. For information on how you can access these services, please see the following or contact your carrier for more information:
- Discounted Internet Service for Low-Income Families:
- Comcast is offering discounted internet service to low-income families, with free service for 60 days, for new customers who apply and are approved. Visit Comcast or call 1-855-846-8376 (English); 1-855-765-6995 (Spanish).
- AT&T offers a discounted service for income-limited households or those who qualify for the National School Lunch Program or Head Start. Visit Access from AT&T for more information.
- Spectrum offers a discounted internet plan for qualified households who are also in receipt of assistance through the National School Lunch Program or Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65 and older only). Visit Spectrum Internet Assist to learn more.
- Income-based free cell phone and airtime: SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers. A private company provides the service. It is not connected to any New York City agency. View more for information about the program.
- Cell Phone Providers: Numerous cell phone companies have signed the "Keep Americans Connected Pledge" and are agreeing to stop service termination and waive late fees for families experiencing financial hardship. You can contact your carrier for more information.
Help with Housing, Paying Rent, and/or Preventing Eviction
- If you are at risk of eviction or entering shelter, connect to Legal Assistance and Rental Assistance programs offered by NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
- The Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants offers resources and information, including free advice, connection to legal assistance, and the latest on COVID-19 emergency orders that may impact evictions and Housing Court. Visit their website or call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline”
- Disabled individuals Experiencing Challenges Within the Shelter System: Contact Elizabeth Iannone, Director of Disability Affairs for Homeless Services at iannonee@dss.nyc.gov
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals Who Need to Communicate With the Department of Social Services: DSS ASL Direct is available. Contact Kim Dolan, 347-474-4231
- For additional eviction prevention information and resources (including their hotline availability and hours), visit Coalition for the Homeless Eviction Prevention Program.
Education
Please visit the Department of Education (DOE)'s website for the latest information about the 2022-2023 school year, including health and safety measures, and learning models that will be available.
School FAQ for Parents and Foster Parents - Information for parents and foster parents about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Free Mental Health Services
If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, please know that you are not alone. Help is available.
- NYC Well: NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Help is available through phone, text or chat! For more information, visit: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/
- NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: Free mental health counseling can be reached at 1-844-863-9314
Health & Mental Health Services for Young Adults
- Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center: Doors remain open Monday through Saturday to all young people who need services. Call 212-423-3000
- Covenant House: Doors remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for young people experiencing homelessness. Call 212-613-0300 or visit www.covenanthouse.org
LGBTQ Medical & Mental Health Services
- NYC Unity Project Citywide LGBTQ + COVID-19 Guide: For up to date information on over 100 LGBTQ+ affirming programs and services still available virtually and in-person across NYC, visit the NYC Unit Project's LGBTQ + COVID-19 Resource Guide
- Trevor Project: A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Trained counselors are available to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call 1-866-488-7386 or visit www.thetrevorproject.org
- Callen- Lorde Health Clinic: The schedule for visits for those with urgent symptoms or in-person care will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but patients will be screened by phone. Those scheduled for routine appointments will receive a phone call the day of their appointment. New patients of all ages are being accepted in the Brooklyn facility and youth and young adults ages 13-22 in Chelsea. Pharmacy hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Chelsea and the Bronx, but those who need prescriptions can get them delivered with Callen-Lorde's free delivery service. Visit www.Callen-Lorde.org
- Covenant House: Doors remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for young people experiencing homelessness. Call 212-613-0300 or visit www.covenanthouse.org
- H.E.A.T clinic: Will remain open and are available to answer your questions or concerns by phone at (718) 613-8453.
- Gay Center: The information and referral team is operating virtual front desks from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 212-620-7310. – visit www.gaycenter.org
- Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline offers peer support and can help you access the many emergency funds and mutual aid resources arising locally and nationally. Contact them at 877–565–8860. Visit: www.translifeline.org
- Immigration Equality: Hotline for people calling from detention only: 917-654-9696. They are open from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. Monday – Friday. General requests and other legal help: 212-714-2904. They are open 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Monday's and Wednesday's and 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Friday's. Visit www.immigrationequality.org
Help Using Telehealth Services
Telehealth is when you get healthcare or therapy over your phone, tablet, or computer, instead of meeting with your social service provider, advocate, or healthcare provider in person. During COVID-19, many people are accessing services through telehealth to help lower the risk of spreading or getting the virus.
Check out these Telehealth Tips, which were developed by New York City families and service providers to answer common questions and help you get the most from your telehealth appointments. You will find information about setting up your technology, preparing for a virtual session, and more. This resource is available in eleven languages.
Access To Fitness
Staying active and healthy is important, even when remain in our homes. Free online exercise classes are a great solution:
- Free Online Exercise Classes: The YMCA is offering free online exercise classes.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Stressful events like the COVID-19 pandemic can affect the way people drink alcohol and use drugs. People may be drinking more alcohol and using drugs more frequently as a response to sudden loss in income, loss of loved ones, boredom or being unable to practice other coping strategies.
Many people can enjoy drinking alcohol with few health risks but drinking to cope with stressful events may worsen any challenges you have controlling or limiting your alcohol use. Being mindful about your drinking can help you set boundaries allowing you to drink alcohol in a healthier way. Please view this guide from NYC DOHMH for helpful information about alcohol use.
NYC DOHMH has also issued safety guidance around drug use during COVID-19 that is linked here with translations available:
- COVID-19: Guidance for People Who Use Drugs
- Responding to an Overdose During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- How to Get Opioid Use Disorder Treatment at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Guidance on Safe Storage of Medications and Substances for Recreational Use During COVID-19
New York City has many free and low-cost services for people struggling with drug and/or alcohol misuse. In addition to the listings below, you can call New York City's 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week hotline at 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or visit NYC Well online.
Find Help
- NY Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS): Find the right drug or alcohol treatment program with the Addiction Treatment Locator. Addiction treatment and recovery services continue to be available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you need to talk or are worried that you will go into withdrawal or relapse, OASAS-certified or funded providers across New York State are available via phone/video or from a safe distance in person. For 24/7 help with addiction, substance use, or gambling, call 877-846-7369, text HOPENY (467369), or visit OASAS to read more.
- Remote Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: For remote Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings, visit NY Intergroup.
Face Coverings
Safety
Please note that children under the age of 2 years should not wear cloth face coverings. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued helpful tips for keeping children safe when using face coverings and ideas for how to help encourage your child to use a face covering when appropriate.
Do-It-Yourself
Face coverings don't need to be expensive and can be fun to make!
- The CDC provides instructions on how to use face coverings, with instructions for sewing or no-sew options.
- This New York Times video shows how to use an old t-shirt to create a reusable cloth face covering (no sewing required).
- Here is another easy, no-sew example (and the site links to other home crafting examples you may want to try with your kids).
Parenting Tips
ACS offers home and community-based supports (now with remote and virtual operations) that are targeted to meet the unique needs of your family.
- Prevention Services: Prevention services help families keep children safe at home. These services are free, voluntary, and available in every neighborhood in NYC to support families with children from infants, to school-age children, to youth and young adults. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and may include helping parents and caregivers with challenges like: mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, exploited or at-risk youth, and special medical needs; and they help connect families with concrete supports to meet housing, child care, or other basic needs. Please email OPTA@acs.nyc.gov for more information and to be matched with the program that is right for your family.
- Family Assessment Program: The Family Assessment Program (FAP) provides support to families and youth up to age 18 who are struggling with everyday challenges. FAP works to strengthen families, reduce conflict, and help families handle concerns such as a child running away, skipping school, using drugs or alcohol, or showing disruptive or dangerous behavior. FAP services are voluntary, and each family can receive an individualized assessment with a social worker who specializes in family crisis resolution.
Our FAP offices are open to walk-ins or virtual appointments. Inquiries and assessments can be done via phone and/or video so it's easier than ever to get help. We connect families to evidence-based therapeutic services as well as community-based organizations. Please reach FAP by email FAPinquiry@acs.nyc.gov or by phone:
- Bronx office: 718-664-1800, 260 East 161 Street, Sublevel
- Brooklyn office: 718-260-8550, 345 Adams Street, 8th Floor
- Manhattan office: 212-341-0012, 60 Lafayette Street, 2nd Floor of Family Court
- Staten Island office: 718-720-0418, 350 St. Mark's Place, 5th Floor
- Queens office: 718-725-3244, 151-20 Jamaica Avenue, 4th Floor of Family Court
The email box and phones are answered Monday through Friday 9-5, and all messages will be returned within 24 hours. If you prefer to walk in, visit the FAP office in your borough between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Resources for Teens
Even if you feel healthy, you can still spread COVID-19 to other people who may get very sick. Staying away from others and doing activities at home is the best way you can connect to and care for the community right now.
Thankfully, you can find many ways to stay connected and have fun while you stay home.
Teens Take On COVID: Returning to school or being stuck at home due to limited in-person activities can be tough. You probably miss some of the activities that haven't yet resumed or some of you may be tired of watching after your little siblings. People in your home may be raising their voices, at you and each other. You may have questions about COVID-19, the vaccine or other health issues. Or you just might need someone to talk to! The good news is, there are still lots of services and help for youth available.
Connections in Your Neighborhood
Find your local Family Enrichment Center: ACS partners with community-based organizations in three neighborhoods to provide Family Enrichment Centers (FECs), which are warm, home-like spaces that provide a range of offerings for and with the community. FECs are now providing remote referrals and support, as well as limited in-person emergency resources. Please contact your local FEC for more information.
The C.R.I.B. in East New York
646-477- 6780 or thecrib.enyfec@gmail.com
thecrib.enyfec.org
2779 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Circle of Dreams in Highbridge
917-945-1152
acamacho@childrensvillage.org
266 E. 165th St., Bronx, NY 10456
O.U.R. Place in Hunts Point/Longwood
718-618-5559
ourplacefec.graham-windham.org
940 Garrison Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474
Community Partnerships: ACS has established 11 community-based networks that meet monthly. They are now using virtual meetings and e-mail to plan and provide referrals for families. Some partnerships are also providing in-person emergency resources. Access contact information for Community Partnerships here and below.
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Bedford-Stuyvesant Bushwick East Flatbush East Harlem East New York Elmhurst |
Highbridge Hunts Point Jamaica Mott Haven Staten Island (North Shore) |