About Us

The New York State Citizen Review Panels for Child Protective Services, established under federal and state mandate, evaluate state and local child welfare policies & practices.  
 

Panel members include social workers, attorneys, non-profit leaders, parents with lived experience, and more. Many members have been on the Panels since the beginning, showcasing their commitment to bettering the system for all children and families.  

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Panel members are not compensated for their services, but may be reimbursed for costs incurred when traveling to or attending Panel meetings and conferences/trainings on the Panels’ behalf. Panel meetings are currently held online.

 

Over the years, key elements to the Panel’s work have included: 
 

• Writing an Annual Report and Recommendations, which include suggestions to improve the child welfare system in New York State 

• Meeting regularly with state and local social services leadership 

• Writing to elected officials pushing for legislature related to their recommendations 

• Staying connected to voluntary agencies 

• Advocating for equity and inclusion for vulnerable populations in New York State   

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Learn more about why the Panels exist here.