We are a Parent-Led Research Project & community research team with lived experience in the child welfare system. Our research collective is made up of parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates who believe that families deserve care, resources, and dignity – not punishment or fear. Together, we are studying how families are affected by over-reporting to the child welfare hotline and what it looks like to build systems that truly support families. Our project is a collaboration between the NYC Family Policy Project and the Public Science Project at CUNY.
We are not associated with ACS!
We are interviewing parents and caregivers who have experienced calls to ACS. Everyone who takes an online survey to find out if they are eligible for an interview receives $25. If you are selected for an online interview you will receive $100.
See if you’re eligible for an interview! Complete our 10 minute PAID survey here.
Q&A:
- What will I be asked in the survey?
The survey will help us know if you are eligible for an interview. It will ask a little bit about your experience of having an ACS call.
- How long will the survey take?
The survey should not take you more than 10 minutes to complete.
- Will my information stay private?
Yes! Everything that you share with us in the survey or interview will ALWAYS be private and confidential. Your participation in our research and what parts of your story you share is completely voluntary and will always be under your control.
- How will I know if I have been selected for an interview?
We will reach out to you by phone/text/email (you can choose!) within 3 weeks of you completing our survey.
- What if I am not selected for an interview?
We are focusing on people who have experienced a CARES case within the past 6 months and have a range of different experiences. We are interviewing 25 participants. If you are not selected and would like to get involved in other ways, contact: latroya@familypolicynyc.org.
- What is a CARES case?
We want to learn directly from people who have had experiences with hotline calls that turned into CARES cases – no matter the outcome of the experience. CARES stands for Collaborative Assessment, Response, Engagement & Support and is designed to connect families with resources and services. It’s OK if you’re not sure if your case received a CARES response – we still want to hear from you!
- How long will the interview take?
The interview will take no more than an hour and will take place over zoom at a time of your choice.
- What’s the purpose of this research? What will you do with what you learn from me?
Too many families experience calls to the hotline that are not substantiated. We want to learn why calls are made, what happens when they are, and how families can be better supported without being reported. We believe that by centering parents’ voices and experiences, our research can be used to transform city policy and ensure families get access to care and resources with respect and humanity.
- I’m really interested in this work! Is there a way to get more involved?
Join us! Our research is part of the larger family advocacy movement in NYC. If you’re interested in getting involved in the research or movement send us an email at latroya@familypolicynyc.org!
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out via email, text, or call to LaTroya Lovell at 551-337-6156 or latroya@familypolicynyc.org.