In 2006, Commissioner John Mattingly created the Office of Safety First, a special hotline for mandated reporters to ensure clear and direct lines of communication between the reporter and Administration for Children’s Services staff. The purpose of the Office is to address ongoing safety concerns and to facilitate a partnership between Child Protective Services and the mandated reporter in the best interest of the child. The Office of Safety First provides immediate assistance to agencies such as schools, hospitals, City agencies, social service providers and child care programs that have concerns related to an open child protective investigation.
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Important telephone numbers
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ACS Office of Safety First
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718/KIDSAFE |
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ACS Office of Advocacy
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212/676-9421 |
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212/676-9025 |
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State Central Register (General )
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800/342-3720 |
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State Central Register (Mandated Reporter )
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800/635-1522 |
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ACS DHS Clearance Liaisons (5 x 8)
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718/725-3866 |
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For Emergencies
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911 |
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Non Emergency City Services
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311 |
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Human Resources Administration (HRA) Infoline
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877/472-8411 |
| Main Numbers for Field Offices |
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Brooklyn
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718/623-4500 |
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Bronx
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718/933-1212 |
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Manhattan
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212/676-2765 |
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Queens
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718/557-1745 |
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Staten Island
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718/720-2765 |
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ACS Main Number
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877/543-7692 |
In addition to addressing safety concerns, the Office of Safety First is available to assist the mandated reporter in connecting with the assigned Child Protective Specialist. Safety Liaisons work in collaboration with the mandated reporter and the Child Protective Specialist to evaluate the progress of the investigation and to address additional safety factors that may be present. They work in association with all interested parties until the concerns are remedied.
If you are concerned about the progress of a child protective investigation or have an ongoing safety concern related to a case that you called into the State Central Register, contact the Office of Safety First either by dialing 718-KID-SAFE (718-543-7233) by sending an online request. Safety Liaisons are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
To report child abuse or neglect, please call the New York State Central Register Mandated Reporter Hotline at 800-635-1522. If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, please call 911.
For more information, click here for a copy of our brochure (PDF)
