“The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children”
NELSON MANDELA
POST-RELEASE
New York State Citizen Review Panels Highlight Urgent Child Welfare Priorities Following Annual Report Release
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Following the release of the 2025 Annual Report on April 14, 2026, the New York State Citizen Review Panels (CRP) convened in Albany to present key findings, elevate urgent concerns, and outline priority recommendations for reform.
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Representing the Eastern, Western, and New York City Panels, members drew on findings from the most recent federal Child and Family Services Review to highlight ongoing challenges related to repeat maltreatment, safety in foster care, limited access to preventive services, and gaps in system accountability.
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“New York's child welfare system is in crisis. Children are being harmed in state custody at rates that should shock every New Yorker’s conscience. Families are being needlessly separated,” said Mary McCarthy of the Eastern Panel.
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Jorge Saenz De Viteri, Co-Chair of the New York City Panel, emphasized the role of federal oversight in guiding reform efforts: “The federal review gives us an important benchmark.”
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During the event, Todd Sage underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability: “Transparency drives accountability. Right now we have neither.”
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The Panels also acknowledged recent legislative progress, including the passage of reforms related to anonymous reporting, and recognized the leadership of state policymakers advancing child welfare reform. Panel members stressed that continued progress will depend on implementation, transparency, and sustained accountability.
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The 2025 Annual Report outlines 24 recommendations aimed at strengthening New York’s child welfare system. During the press event, the Panels highlighted four priority areas for immediate focus:
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Ensuring compliance with the legal definition of neglect and reducing the misclassification of poverty-related circumstances
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Strengthening parent rights, including clear and timely communication at the point of first contact
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Improving transparency through the development of a unified, public-facing accountability dashboard
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Filling 15 current vacancies across the Citizen Review Panels to maintain strong, independent oversight
The Panels reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing monitoring and collaboration with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, policymakers, and community stakeholders to support meaningful system improvement.
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To view the full 2025 Annual Report and learn more, visit:
https://www.citizenreviewpanelsny.org
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Media Contact:
info@citizenreviewpanelsny.org
Prevent Child Abuse – New York (Administrative Support for the Panels)
1843 Central Avenue, #133
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 508-3820
www.citizenreviewpanelsny.org
Let's Make
New York State
Better for All of Us
The New York State Citizen Review Panels for Child Protective Services (the Panels) examine the policies, procedures, and practices of the State and social services districts and, where appropriate, specific cases. The Panels evaluate the extent to which the agencies are effectively discharging their child protection responsibilities.
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Panel members, appointed by the Governor or the New York State Legislature, are volunteers with a breadth of experience and knowledge in child welfare practice, policy, law, social work, education, and technology, among other areas.
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The Panels also advocate for legislation that can have a positive impact on child welfare services in NYS. The Panels are active on social media platforms, including Facebook and X, to raise awareness of the issues surrounding child protective services.
NYS Citizen Review Panels' 2025 Recommendations
The 2025 Annual Report features two distinct yet related components. Both components deserve your attention:
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Part One: From Crisis to Accountability, is based largely on the results of a federal review of New York’s child welfare system
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Part Two: Reimagining Child and Family Services, asks us to consider fundamental changes in the way we think about and deliver child welfare services.
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Objectives
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Reduce CPS bias by ensuring poverty is not mistaken for neglect.
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Eliminate harmful practices, including anonymous reporting and school-based CPS interviews.
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Limit unnecessary investigations by expanding community support.
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Prevent unnecessary family separations by prioritizing financial and community-based support.
Recommendations Supported By:
The 17 organizations below join the Citizen Review Panels in issuing their recommendations for 2024, urging a focus on preventing foster care placements and ending the surveillance of families.
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Click on the links below to learn more about each organization.
