All topics / Health and Human Services
Administration for Children's Services
Created by mayoral executive order in January 1996 and made a permanent, independently chartered city agency in 2001, ACS was New York City's first agency devoted solely to children, youth, and families. It investigates roughly 50,000 allegations of child abuse and neglect each year and oversees the city's foster care and juvenile justice systems, which it has helped shrink dramatically: the foster care census fell from about 42,000 children in 1996 to fewer than 8,000 by 2021.
What's working
- On average, what is the child protective specialist caseload?: 6.4 — decreasing due to a deliberate ACS staffing strategy, not fewer cases
- How often do youth-on-youth assaults with injury happen in detention?: 0.2 — decreasing despite a growing detention population, credited to new de-escalation programs
- How often do youth-on-staff assaults with injury happen in detention?: 0.1 — decreasing and holding steady despite a nearly doubled detention population
- and 12 more below
What's getting worse
- On average, what is the daily cost per juvenile in detention?: $1,021 — decreasing, but reflects a growing detention population spreading fixed costs, not less spending
- On average, what is the daily population in detention?: 393.2 people — increasing, tied to more arrests, longer stays, and 2017-19 justice reforms
- How many New State Central Register consolidated investigations are there?: 27,943 investigations — decreasing as more families are diverted to voluntary services instead of investigation
- and 14 more below
Critical indicators
With a numeric target
How much escapes from secure detention is there?
0 escapesRight at target
How much escapes from secure detention is there?
0 escapesRight at target
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 0 escapes | 0 escapes |
| FY23 | 0 escapes | 0 escapes |
| FY24 | 0 escapes | 0 escapes |
| FY25 | 0 escapes | 0 escapes |
| FY26 (YTD) | 0 escapes | 0 escapes |
0 escapes in FY26 — met the City's own target for this indicator (right at the target), and it has stayed essentially flat over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
What percent of residents seen within 24 hours of sick call report?
100%Right at target
What percent of residents seen within 24 hours of sick call report?
100%Right at target
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 100% | 100% |
| FY23 | 100% | 100% |
| FY24 | 100% | 100% |
| FY25 | 100% | 100% |
| FY26 (YTD) | 100% | 100% |
100% in FY26 — met the City's own target for this indicator (right at the target), and it has stayed essentially flat over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
What percent of abuse and/or neglect reports responded to within 24 hours of receipt from the State Central Register?
92.8%Misses target by 7.2%
What percent of abuse and/or neglect reports responded to within 24 hours of receipt from the State Central Register?
92.8%Misses target by 7.2%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 95.3% | 100% |
| FY23 | 93.5% | 100% |
| FY24 | 91.9% | 100% |
| FY25 | 92.1% | 100% |
| FY26 (YTD) | 92.8% | 100% |
92.8% in FY26 — missed the City's own target for this indicator (7.2% below the 100% target), and it has trended in the wrong direction over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
What percent of children in substantiated investigations with repeat substantiated investigations within a year?
13%Beats target by 1%
What percent of children in substantiated investigations with repeat substantiated investigations within a year?
13%Beats target by 1%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 15.2% | 14% |
| FY23 | 13.5% | 14% |
| FY24 | 13.4% | 14% |
| FY25 | 13% | 14% |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available | 14% |
13% in FY25 — met the City's own target for this indicator (1% below the 14% target), and it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
On average, what is the child protective specialist caseload?
6.4 — decreasing due to a deliberate ACS staffing strategy, not fewer casesBeats target by 5.6
On average, what is the child protective specialist caseload?
6.4 — decreasing due to a deliberate ACS staffing strategy, not fewer casesBeats target by 5.6
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 8.4 | 12 |
| FY23 | 9.7 | 12 |
| FY24 | 8.1 | 12 |
| FY25 | 7 | 12 |
| FY26 (YTD) | 6.4 | 12 |
Average caseloads for ACS child protective specialists have dropped from a recent high of 9.7 cases in Fiscal 2023 to roughly 6 by Fiscal 2026. ACS's own performance reports attribute this to a deliberate staffing strategy: hiring more caseworkers ahead of expected attrition and keeping more case-assignable staff available at any given time, rather than a drop in the number of cases needing attention.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
What percent of children entering foster care who are placed with relatives?
35.9% — decreasing, which ACS links to rising family poverty and fewer available relativesMisses target by 14.1%
What percent of children entering foster care who are placed with relatives?
35.9% — decreasing, which ACS links to rising family poverty and fewer available relativesMisses target by 14.1%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 54.8% | 44% |
| FY23 | 51.8% | 44% |
| FY24 | 48.7% | 54% |
| FY25 | 42.2% | 54% |
| FY26 (YTD) | 35.9% | 50% |
The share of children entering foster care who are placed with relatives has fallen almost every year since Fiscal 2022. ACS's own performance reports link the decline to rising family poverty in New York City and a growing number of relatives who say they are unable to take in kin, along with more teenagers — who are harder to place with relatives — entering foster care; the city lowered its own Fiscal 2026 target for this measure for the same reasons.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
What percent of children who re-enter foster care within a year of discharge to a family?
8.8%Misses target by 2.8%
What percent of children who re-enter foster care within a year of discharge to a family?
8.8%Misses target by 2.8%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 7.5% | 6% |
| FY23 | 8.5% | 6% |
| FY24 | 8.1% | 6% |
| FY25 | 9.4% | 6% |
| FY26 (YTD) | 8.8% | 6% |
8.8% in FY26 — missed the City's own target for this indicator (2.8% above the 6% target), and it has trended in the wrong direction over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
How many families entering child welfare prevention services are there?
6,024 familiesMisses target by 2,476 families
How many families entering child welfare prevention services are there?
6,024 familiesMisses target by 2,476 families
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above. The dashed marker projects a full-year estimate at the current year-to-date pace.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 6,818 families | 10,000 families |
| FY23 | 6,659 families | 9,000 families |
| FY24 | 7,021 families | 9,000 families |
| FY25 | 6,996 families | 9,000 families |
| FY26 (YTD) | 6,024 families | 8,500 families |
| FY26 (projected) | ~8,032 families |
6,024 families in FY26 — missed the City's own target for this indicator (2,476 families below the 8,500 families target), though it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
How often do youth-on-youth assaults with injury happen in detention?
0.2 — decreasing despite a growing detention population, credited to new de-escalation programsBeats target by 0.1
How often do youth-on-youth assaults with injury happen in detention?
0.2 — decreasing despite a growing detention population, credited to new de-escalation programsBeats target by 0.1
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| FY23 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| FY24 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| FY25 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| FY26 (YTD) | 0.2 | 0.3 |
Youth-on-youth assault rates in detention fell substantially from Fiscal 2022 through Fiscal 2024 and have stayed well below their earlier level since, even as the number of youth held in detention has grown sharply. ACS credits expanded behavior-management training (its "STRIVE+" program), on-site violence interrupters, and a specialized de-escalation response team, while noting the slight Fiscal 2025 uptick reflected added stress from a larger population sharing limited space.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
How often do youth-on-staff assaults with injury happen in detention?
0.1 — decreasing and holding steady despite a nearly doubled detention populationBeats target by 0
How often do youth-on-staff assaults with injury happen in detention?
0.1 — decreasing and holding steady despite a nearly doubled detention populationBeats target by 0
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| FY23 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| FY24 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| FY25 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| FY26 (YTD) | 0.1 | 0.2 |
Youth-on-staff assault rates in detention roughly halved between Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2024 and have held steady since, despite the detention population nearly doubling over the same span. ACS credits the same safety measures it points to for falling youth-on-youth violence: expanded behavior-management training, on-site violence interrupters, and a dedicated de-escalation response team.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
How often do youth abscond from non-secure detention?
0.1 — increasing overall, though improving recently with added staffing supportBeats target by 0
How often do youth abscond from non-secure detention?
0.1 — increasing overall, though improving recently with added staffing supportBeats target by 0
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| FY23 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| FY24 | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| FY25 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| FY26 (YTD) | 0.1 | 0.1 |
The rate at which youth abscond from non-secure detention spiked in Fiscal 2024 before falling back down through Fiscal 2026. ACS attributes the recent improvement to added staffing support at non-secure facilities, more consistent staffing patterns, and more regular training and coaching on youth supervision; its reports do not spell out what specifically drove the Fiscal 2024 spike.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
What percent of children placed in foster care in their community?
32%Misses target by 4%
What percent of children placed in foster care in their community?
32%Misses target by 4%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 27.2% | 36% |
| FY23 | 29.8% | 36% |
| FY24 | 32.6% | 36% |
| FY25 | 29.3% | 36% |
| FY26 (YTD) | 32% | 36% |
32% in FY26 — missed the City's own target for this indicator (4% below the 36% target), though it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
What percent of children discharged to permanency within a year of placement?
29.2%Misses target by 5.8%
What percent of children discharged to permanency within a year of placement?
29.2%Misses target by 5.8%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 29.2% | 35% |
| FY23 | 32.2% | 35% |
| FY24 | 33.3% | 35% |
| FY25 | 29.2% | 35% |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available | 35% |
29.2% in FY25 — missed the City's own target for this indicator (5.8% below the 35% target), though it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
What percent of children in care 12–23 months discharged to permanency?
24.2%Misses target by 2.8%
What percent of children in care 12–23 months discharged to permanency?
24.2%Misses target by 2.8%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 18.3% | 27% |
| FY23 | 23% | 27% |
| FY24 | 23.9% | 27% |
| FY25 | 24.2% | 27% |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available | 27% |
24.2% in FY25 — missed the City's own target for this indicator (2.8% below the 27% target), though it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
What percent of children in care 24 or more months discharged to permanency?
25.6%Misses target by 1.4%
What percent of children in care 24 or more months discharged to permanency?
25.6%Misses target by 1.4%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 23.1% | 27% |
| FY23 | 23.3% | 27% |
| FY24 | 24% | 27% |
| FY25 | 25.6% | 27% |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available | 27% |
25.6% in FY25 — missed the City's own target for this indicator (1.4% below the 27% target), though it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
How many moves in foster care per 1,000 care days are there?
1.4Right at target
How many moves in foster care per 1,000 care days are there?
1.4Right at target
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| FY23 | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| FY24 | 1.2 | 1.4 |
| FY25 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| FY26 (YTD) | 1.4 | 1.4 |
1.4 in FY26 — met the City's own target for this indicator (right at the target), though it has trended in the wrong direction over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
How many children maltreated during family foster care placement per 100,000 care days are there?
3.3Beats target by 1.7
How many children maltreated during family foster care placement per 100,000 care days are there?
3.3Beats target by 1.7
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual | Target |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | 3.7 | 5 |
| FY23 | 3.2 | 5 |
| FY24 | 3 | 5 |
| FY25 | 3.3 | 5 |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available | 3.5 |
3.3 in FY25 — met the City's own target for this indicator (1.7 below the 5 target), and it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
Without a numeric target
On average, what is the daily cost per juvenile in detention?
$1,021 — decreasing, but reflects a growing detention population spreading fixed costs, not less spending
On average, what is the daily cost per juvenile in detention?
$1,021 — decreasing, but reflects a growing detention population spreading fixed costs, not less spending
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | $1,576 |
| FY23 | $1,231 |
| FY24 | $1,137 |
| FY25 | $1,021 |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available |
The average daily cost per youth in detention has fallen every year since Fiscal 2021, but this isn't because ACS is spending less — the agency's own performance report says overall detention spending actually rose slightly. Instead, the decline mainly reflects the average daily detention population more than doubling over the same period, which spreads largely fixed costs like staffing and facilities across more youth and drives the per-person daily figure down.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
On average, what is the daily population in detention?
393.2 people — increasing, tied to more arrests, longer stays, and 2017-19 justice reforms
On average, what is the daily population in detention?
393.2 people — increasing, tied to more arrests, longer stays, and 2017-19 justice reforms
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 170 people |
| FY23 | 233 people |
| FY24 | 278.9 people |
| FY25 | 336.4 people |
| FY26 (YTD) | 393.2 people |
New York City's juvenile detention population has climbed steadily since Fiscal 2022. ACS's own performance reports attribute recent growth to a rise in arrests (including gun-violence cases) and to youth staying in detention much longer while their cases move through court — average length of stay grew from about 38 days in Fiscal 2021 to roughly 60 days in early Fiscal 2026. The longer-running increase also traces back to New York State's 2017 "Raise the Age" law and 2019 bail-reform changes, which shifted an older population facing more serious charges into the city's two juvenile detention centers, according to a city Department of Investigation report.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report, CBS News New York, "New report details impact of bail reform at NYC juvenile detention centers"
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
On average, what is the length of stay in detention?
56 days
On average, what is the length of stay in detention?
56 days
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 38 days |
| FY23 | 39 days |
| FY24 | 40 days |
| FY25 | 46 days |
| FY26 (YTD) | 56 days |
56 days in FY26 — has no numeric target set by the City, and it has trended in the wrong direction over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
How much is the general health care cost per youth per day in detention?
$67.00
How much is the general health care cost per youth per day in detention?
$67.00
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | $171.00 |
| FY23 | $87.00 |
| FY24 | $73.00 |
| FY25 | $67.00 |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available |
This indicator has swung sharply within the lookback window — a simple up/down label would oversimplify it, so no trend badge is shown here. See the chart and table above for the full picture.
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
How many New State Central Register consolidated investigations are there?
27,943 investigations — decreasing as more families are diverted to voluntary services instead of investigation
How many New State Central Register consolidated investigations are there?
27,943 investigations — decreasing as more families are diverted to voluntary services instead of investigation
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above. The dashed marker projects a full-year estimate at the current year-to-date pace.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 45,068 investigations |
| FY23 | 43,782 investigations |
| FY24 | 40,489 investigations |
| FY25 | 39,158 investigations |
| FY26 (YTD) | 27,943 investigations |
| FY26 (projected) | ~37,257 investigations |
The number of child-abuse and neglect hotline reports ACS investigates each year has fallen steadily since Fiscal 2022. ACS attributes the decline to its growing use of the CARES track, which connects families in lower-risk situations with supportive services instead of a formal investigation, and to partnerships with the NYC Public Schools and a preventive-services support line that help families before a hotline report becomes necessary — meaning mandated reporters are filing fewer reports overall, not that fewer children are being screened.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
On average, what is the number of children in foster care?
6,414 children
On average, what is the number of children in foster care?
6,414 children
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 7,140 children |
| FY23 | 6,728 children |
| FY24 | 6,441 children |
| FY25 | 6,414 children |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available |
6,414 children in FY25 — has no numeric target set by the City, and it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani created ACS by executive order in January 1996 as a standalone agency, pulling child welfare functions out of the former Human Resources Administration, in direct response to public outrage over Elisa Izquierdo's death and reports that the warning signs had been missed or ignored. Nicholas Scoppetta, who had spent time in foster care himself, was named the first Commissioner. The agency's creation marked a shift toward a more protective, investigation-focused posture, in contrast to a prior system that had prioritized keeping families together even in cases involving risk.
NYC ACS - ACS Celebrates 25 Years of Keeping Children Safe & Families Supported, New York City Administration for Children's Services - Wikipedia
How much admissions to detention is there?
1,717 admissions — increasing overall, though admissions have recently started to decline
How much admissions to detention is there?
1,717 admissions — increasing overall, though admissions have recently started to decline
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above. The dashed marker projects a full-year estimate at the current year-to-date pace.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 1,319 admissions |
| FY23 | 1,775 admissions |
| FY24 | 1,981 admissions |
| FY25 | 2,487 admissions |
| FY26 (YTD) | 1,717 admissions |
| FY26 (projected) | ~2,289 admissions |
Admissions to city juvenile detention centers rose sharply through Fiscal 2025, which ACS attributed to an increase in arrests, including those tied to gun violence and other public-safety concerns. That trend reversed in the first months of Fiscal 2026 — the first year-over-year admissions decline since Fiscal 2020, according to ACS's own report — though the detention population kept climbing anyway because youth are staying much longer once admitted.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
How often are weapons recovered in detention?
0.4
How often are weapons recovered in detention?
0.4
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 0.3 |
| FY23 | 0.5 |
| FY24 | 0.4 |
| FY25 | 0.4 |
| FY26 (YTD) | 0.4 |
0.4 in FY26 — has no numeric target set by the City, and it has trended in the wrong direction over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
How often are illegal drugs or medication recovered in detention?
0.2 — increasing overall, though recent searches and new scanners have cut it sharply
How often are illegal drugs or medication recovered in detention?
0.2 — increasing overall, though recent searches and new scanners have cut it sharply
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 0.3 |
| FY23 | 0.4 |
| FY24 | 0.4 |
| FY25 | 0.3 |
| FY26 (YTD) | 0.2 |
The rate of drugs or medication recovered from youth in detention rose through Fiscal 2024 before falling sharply. ACS's own report credits the recent decline to enhanced search and investigation procedures, more frequent searches, and — starting in Fiscal 2026 — new millimeter-wave body scanners installed to detect contraband.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
On average, what is the number of children accessing child care services through use of a mandated voucher?
28,871 children
On average, what is the number of children accessing child care services through use of a mandated voucher?
28,871 children
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 20,714 children |
| FY23 | 21,897 children |
| FY24 | 22,803 children |
| FY25 | 25,932 children |
| FY26 (YTD) | 28,871 children |
28,871 children in FY26 — has no numeric target set by the City, and it has trended toward improvement over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
ACS historically ran EarlyLearn NYC, a program that merged subsidized child care and Head Start into one system aimed at improving quality and reaching the neediest communities, funded largely through the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant. Families qualifying at or below 300% of the federal poverty line, and who are working, in school, job-hunting, or in unstable housing situations, can receive vouchers or contracted slots. In July 2019 the City shifted administration of the contracted child care system to the Department of Education as part of the 3-K for All expansion, but ACS has continued to play a role in ensuring low-income families can access care.
ACS - Early Care & Education Programs for New York City Families, NYC IBO - A System in Flux: New Programs, Administrative Changes Create Challenges for NYC's Subsidized Child Care Programs
On average, what is the center-based child care voucher enrollment?
64,487 people enrolled — increasing since the MyCity portal launched and outreach expanded
On average, what is the center-based child care voucher enrollment?
64,487 people enrolled — increasing since the MyCity portal launched and outreach expanded
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 25,301 people enrolled |
| FY23 | 30,751 people enrolled |
| FY24 | 39,657 people enrolled |
| FY25 | 52,730 people enrolled |
| FY26 (YTD) | 64,487 people enrolled |
Center-based child care voucher enrollment has more than doubled since Fiscal 2022. ACS attributes the surge to its March 2023 launch of MyCity, the city's first online child care benefits application, combined with expanded outreach in high-need neighborhoods that sharply increased use of non-mandated, low-income vouchers.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
ACS historically ran EarlyLearn NYC, a program that merged subsidized child care and Head Start into one system aimed at improving quality and reaching the neediest communities, funded largely through the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant. Families qualifying at or below 300% of the federal poverty line, and who are working, in school, job-hunting, or in unstable housing situations, can receive vouchers or contracted slots. In July 2019 the City shifted administration of the contracted child care system to the Department of Education as part of the 3-K for All expansion, but ACS has continued to play a role in ensuring low-income families can access care.
ACS - Early Care & Education Programs for New York City Families, NYC IBO - A System in Flux: New Programs, Administrative Changes Create Challenges for NYC's Subsidized Child Care Programs
On average, what is the family child care voucher enrollment?
40,473 people enrolled — increasing since the MyCity portal launched and outreach expanded
On average, what is the family child care voucher enrollment?
40,473 people enrolled — increasing since the MyCity portal launched and outreach expanded
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 20,620 people enrolled |
| FY23 | 23,942 people enrolled |
| FY24 | 28,386 people enrolled |
| FY25 | 34,248 people enrolled |
| FY26 (YTD) | 40,473 people enrolled |
Family child care voucher enrollment has roughly doubled since Fiscal 2022, tracking the same citywide expansion seen across all voucher types. ACS credits the growth to the March 2023 launch of MyCity, the city's first online child care application system, and expanded outreach that dramatically increased use of non-mandated, low-income vouchers among eligible families.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
ACS historically ran EarlyLearn NYC, a program that merged subsidized child care and Head Start into one system aimed at improving quality and reaching the neediest communities, funded largely through the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant. Families qualifying at or below 300% of the federal poverty line, and who are working, in school, job-hunting, or in unstable housing situations, can receive vouchers or contracted slots. In July 2019 the City shifted administration of the contracted child care system to the Department of Education as part of the 3-K for All expansion, but ACS has continued to play a role in ensuring low-income families can access care.
ACS - Early Care & Education Programs for New York City Families, NYC IBO - A System in Flux: New Programs, Administrative Changes Create Challenges for NYC's Subsidized Child Care Programs
On average, what is the informal child care voucher enrollment?
5,122 people enrolled — increasing since the MyCity portal launched and outreach expanded
On average, what is the informal child care voucher enrollment?
5,122 people enrolled — increasing since the MyCity portal launched and outreach expanded
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 1,614 people enrolled |
| FY23 | 2,285 people enrolled |
| FY24 | 2,996 people enrolled |
| FY25 | 4,249 people enrolled |
| FY26 (YTD) | 5,122 people enrolled |
Enrollment in informal (home-based) child care vouchers has more than tripled since Fiscal 2022, the fastest growth of any voucher category tracked by ACS. As with center-based and family child care vouchers, ACS attributes the increase to its 2023 launch of the MyCity online benefits application and to outreach efforts that greatly expanded the number of families using non-mandated, low-income vouchers.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
ACS historically ran EarlyLearn NYC, a program that merged subsidized child care and Head Start into one system aimed at improving quality and reaching the neediest communities, funded largely through the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant. Families qualifying at or below 300% of the federal poverty line, and who are working, in school, job-hunting, or in unstable housing situations, can receive vouchers or contracted slots. In July 2019 the City shifted administration of the contracted child care system to the Department of Education as part of the 3-K for All expansion, but ACS has continued to play a role in ensuring low-income families can access care.
ACS - Early Care & Education Programs for New York City Families, NYC IBO - A System in Flux: New Programs, Administrative Changes Create Challenges for NYC's Subsidized Child Care Programs
On average, what is the number of children in Close to Home placement?
112 children — increasing as complex cases and housing shortages delay discharges
On average, what is the number of children in Close to Home placement?
112 children — increasing as complex cases and housing shortages delay discharges
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 47 children |
| FY23 | 50 children |
| FY24 | 78 children |
| FY25 | 102 children |
| FY26 (YTD) | 112 children |
The average number of youth in ACS's Close to Home juvenile-justice placements has more than doubled since Fiscal 2022. ACS attributes this to a rising number of youth with complex cases requiring longer, more intensive rehabilitation, combined with discharge delays tied to housing shortages and a lack of family support — factors that keep youth in placement longer even in periods when new admissions weren't rising as fast.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report, ACS, Fiscal 2026 Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
On average, what is the number of children in Close to Home aftercare?
41 children — increasing, mechanically tracking more youth released into aftercare
On average, what is the number of children in Close to Home aftercare?
41 children — increasing, mechanically tracking more youth released into aftercare
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 18 children |
| FY23 | 28 children |
| FY24 | 28 children |
| FY25 | 41 children |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available |
The average number of youth in Close to Home aftercare rose 47 percent between Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2025 alone. ACS attributes the increase directly to a rising number of youth being released from Close to Home residential placement into aftercare over the same period — more releases mechanically means more youth in aftercare at any given time, not a change in how aftercare itself is run.
Researched July 15, 2026 — ACS, Fiscal 2025 Mayor's Management Report
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
What percent of youth who received mental health screening or services while in detention?
75.9%
What percent of youth who received mental health screening or services while in detention?
75.9%
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 86.6% |
| FY23 | 76.1% |
| FY24 | 81.6% |
| FY25 | 78.8% |
| FY26 (YTD) | 75.9% |
75.9% in FY26 — has no numeric target set by the City, and it has trended in the wrong direction over the past 3 years of reported data.
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home
How often are child abuse or neglect reports involving youth in detention substantiated?
0.1
How often are child abuse or neglect reports involving youth in detention substantiated?
0.1
* Year to date — this fiscal year isn't complete, so it's not compared against prior years in the target/trend status above.
View as table
| Fiscal year | Actual |
|---|---|
| FY22 | 0.1 |
| FY23 | 0.1 |
| FY24 | 0.1 |
| FY25 | 0.1 |
| FY26 (YTD) | Not available |
This indicator has swung sharply within the lookback window — a simple up/down label would oversimplify it, so no trend badge is shown here. See the chart and table above for the full picture.
Why this is tracked
Before 2012, New York City youth adjudicated as juvenile delinquents who didn't require secure confinement were often placed in New York State youth prisons far from home, facilities that cost over $200,000 per youth per year to run and had documented histories of dangerous and abusive practices, with more than 80% of released youth re-offending. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Close to Home legislation in March 2012, transferring custody of these youth from the state to ACS, which began operating non-secure facilities that fall. The goal was to keep young people connected to family, school, and community supports while still providing supervision and casework services, rather than warehousing them upstate.
NYC Opportunity - The Close to Home Initiative and Related Reforms, NYS Office of Children and Family Services - Close to Home