A new report from the Columbia Journal of Race and Law reveals that New York City’s child welfare agency disproportionately investigates Black and Latino families, often subjecting them to unnecessary and invasive scrutiny.
Nearly half of Black children are investigated by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) before turning 18. The agency conducts around 100,000 investigations each year, yet only 22.5% result in confirmed cases of abuse or neglect. In 2023 alone, more than 74,000 investigations ended with no evidence of maltreatment.
A key issue cited in the study is a policy requiring ACS to investigate nearly every report it receives, regardless of the report’s credibility.
Melissa Friedman, co-author of the report and an attorney with the Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice, described the investigations as “deeply traumatic,” noting that even children’s teachers, neighbors, and relatives are drawn into the process.
Most reports come from mandated reporters such as teachers and healthcare workers, but only 14% and 24% of their cases are confirmed, respectively. Anonymous tips are verified just 6.7% of the time.
The report shows Black children are investigated more often than others, even in white, low-poverty neighborhoods, pointing to race as a key factor.
ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser said protecting all children and families “no matter their race, ethnicity, or background” remains the agency’s priority. He pointed to ongoing reforms, including lower caseloads, improved parent education, and retraining reporters to identify family needs better.
Advocates are calling for policy changes to prevent unnecessary interventions, including stricter screening of reports, limits on nighttime visits, and a ban on anonymous calls.
