The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) announced today that it is accepting agency applications for its host family home program, Helping Hands NY (HHNY). This primary prevention program, adopted through state law in December 2021, provides support to families to arrange temporary care for their child(ren) during a time of crisis such as homelessness, unemployment or a medical emergency. This program, through an organized network of supportive volunteers, allows families in need to obtain assistance without having to come to the attention of the child welfare system.

“Far too many families in need of help and support must wait for unwelcome involvement from the child welfare system to receive the help they need – and very often the help needed is rooted in poverty, isolation and lack of a support system,” said OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole. “OCFS is leading the effort to implement new initiatives throughout the state aimed at giving families access to tangible goods and meaningful community-based resources without needing child protective services to become involved. Our Helping Hands New York program does just this.”

The HHNY model aligns with the principles of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act, reducing the need for children to be placed unnecessarily in foster care. Community-based HHNY programs will allow parents to seek assistance from friends and neighbors within their community. HHNY also advances OCFS’ race equity agenda, recognizing that families of color are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system.

HHNY volunteers are individuals who want to help parents facing difficult challenges and can provide care in their own home. The program is completely voluntary. An HHNY agency thoroughly screens, trains and supervises the volunteers, who receive no monetary compensation for caring for child(ren). Agencies must evaluate volunteers through an application process that includes background checks, a home study that includes a review of references, medical reports and other required information. The HHNY agency must train volunteers on topics including parents’ legal rights, race equity and cultural competency, implicit bias, trauma-informed care and the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) on child development. 

“OCFS is excited to bring Helping Hands New York to support the children and families of our state. This program aligns with OCFS’ commitment to strengthen communities across the state so families have access to the supports and resources needed to safely raise their children,” said OCFS Deputy Commissioner for Child Welfare and Community Services Lisa Ghartey Ogundimu.

Parents and caregivers can receive assistance from HHNY to care for child(ren) from a few days up to no more than six months without additional review. Families are responsible for maintaining the child’s education, cultural and religious practices. All approved HHNY agencies will be subject to OCFS review and oversight to monitor compliance with New York State regulatory policies and procedures. The host family home model is currently in practice in more than 30 states.

Interested not-for-profit agencies seeking approval to become an HHNY agency can find the application and guidance document here.