“The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children”
NELSON MANDELA
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.
The 2024 Citizen Review Panels’ recommendations focus on systemic reforms to ensure families are supported, not policed. Despite past commitments to reducing child poverty and reforming child welfare, progress remains slow. With most CPS reports unfounded and disproportionately affecting Black and Brown families, urgent action is needed. While New York has piloted promising programs, they remain too limited. The Panels urge the state to expand proven solutions now, shift resources to preventive, community-based support, strengthen legal protections for parents, and ensure poverty is not mistaken for neglect, while also addressing vacant Panel positions to maintain accountability. With strong leadership and a commitment to change, New York has the opportunity to create a system that truly protects and supports families.​​
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.
