Findings from CCC-COFCCA’s survey of Child Welfare Prevention Service Providers

From 2020 into 2021, Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) and Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) developed a questionnaire in collaboration with child welfare prevention service providers in New York City to gather insights on first-hand experience carrying out programs under existing contracts and responding to emerging needs of families during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 350 staff from provider agencies serving New York City participated in the survey.

Results from the New York City survey administered in February 2021 shed light on the experiences of families and prevention service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and point to both long[1]standing and emerging challenges that demand policy action. Namely, the survey reveals a wide range of needs that have increased because of the pandemic. Providers pivoted to meet the needs of families by increasing cash and non-cash support and offering alternative to in-person visits, such as video conferencing and phone calls, to ensure consistent communication and social distancing. However, prevention service provider agencies report crucial challenges with funding and staffing that limited their capacity to meet families’ needs.

Download the survey findings and recommendations for more information.