Family Assessment Program (FAP)

Any family can get help from the ACS Family Assessment Program.

FAP provides support to families that are struggling with everyday challenges. FAP works to strengthen families, reduce conflict, and connect your family to many services that provide ongoing support in your community. It helps families handle concerns such as a child running away, skipping school, or disruptive behavior, without having to go to court.

Contact us today for free help if your teen is in crisis. Email FAPinquiry@acs.nyc.gov or see phone numbers below.

FAP serves families with children who are up to 18 years old and are struggling to relate to one another. You can get help from FAP when your child is:

• Skipping school, or having difficulties with teachers or classes
• Missing or consistently running away from home
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Associating with negative peers
• Struggling with mental illness
• Displaying defiant or dangerous behavior

FAP staff will introduce you to the program and explain how we can help. They will:

• Talk to your family to understand the circumstances which brought you to FAP
• Identify the most helpful and practical options for resolving your family's concerns
• Introduce you to a range of services in or close to your home that are designed to help you

A social worker who specializes in family crisis resolution will interview you if you decide to participate.

The worker will ask questions about your family's concerns, strengths, and circumstances which we will use to plan with you and refer your family to one or more supportive community programs.

FAP staff can refer your family to a wide range of therapeutic options such as:

• Crisis intervention
• Mediation
• Family counseling
• Substance abuse services
• Domestic violence programs
• Anger management programs
• Mental health services

Services vary in intensity and duration depending on FAP's assessment of your family's needs.

FAP services are completely voluntary. However, families seeking access to the New York City Family Court through the PINS (Persons In Need of Supervision) system must participate in FAP before a PINS petition can be filed.

Families are not required to have an open investigation with ACS to obtain help. However, a case will be voluntarily opened when the family is referred to a preventive agency that is contracted through FAP. A case opened voluntarily is not the same as an open ACS child welfare investigation case.

You can choose to file a PINS petition with the Family Court to seek the Court's help to supervise your child. FAP staff will help you file the petition.