New York City Administration for Children’s Services

Case Study

 
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Scaling Evidence-Based Preventive Services Across New York City

Since 2013, NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) has significantly expanded its use of evidence-based and evidence-informed models across the preventive services continuum. Through strategic partnerships with model developers and providers, ACS has strengthened service delivery, training, fidelity monitoring, and policy alignment to better serve families across the city.

Problem

Limited Use of Research-Supported Preventive Services

Prior to 2013, New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) had limited integration of evidence-based and evidence-informed programs across its preventive service continuum. The system lacked the infrastructure to consistently apply proven models at scale, resulting in variability in service quality, access, and outcomes for families in need.

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Solution

Expansion of Evidence-Based Services & Collaborative Implementation

Beginning in 2013, ACS initiated a citywide expansion of evidence-based and evidence-informed models, growing the preventive services continuum to include eleven research-supported programs. In collaboration with model developers and contract agencies, ACS worked to build the infrastructure needed to support high-fidelity implementation, including:

  • Policy adaptations to align with local context
  • Evaluation protocols for performance measurement
  • A reshaped referral process to improve access
  • Modified training and consultation structures
  • Updated documentation practices
  • Strengthened fidelity monitoring systems

Outcome

Scaled, Sustainable, and Coordinated Service Network

The initiative has resulted in a more coordinated and evidence-driven service system for families in New York City. By embedding eleven evidence-based models into the preventive continuum and aligning stakeholders through shared protocols and policy, ACS has laid a foundation for long-term quality improvement. The adaptive capacity of contract agencies and strategic collaboration among stakeholders continues to shape a more effective and responsive child welfare system.

115 +
Years of combined experience
20 +
Evidence-based models supported
30 +
States and counties served

Solutions EBA Provided

Needs Assessment & Program Alignment

Identify ideal evidence-based programs and determine when and where they are most needed across the District to meet community needs effectively.

Implementation & Provider Support

Provide direct support to community-based agencies to help them successfully adopt and deliver evidence-based practices, including coaching and guidance throughout implementation.

Workforce & Provider Oversight

Monitor compliance with the EBP Hiring Manual and assist agencies in creating policies that support effective staff recruitment, training, and long-term retention.

Training & Capacity Coordination

Identify certified training partners and coordinate session schedules to ensure staff receive timely, relevant training while maintaining adequate service coverage.

Utilization & Referral Management

Manage referral processes to ensure appropriate, timely access to services, aligning client needs with the most suitable evidence-based programs.

Quality, Evaluation & Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with partners to track fidelity and outcomes, use dashboards and monitoring tools to evaluate performance, and keep stakeholders informed to guide ongoing improvements and sustain success.

NYC - Atlas Initiative

EBA supports NYC's Atlas Initiative, enhancing community safety through strength-based programs like Functional Family Therapy.

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Additional NYC-ACS Information

Models currently in use under NYC-ACS

Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)

EBA supports the implementation of BSFT in New York City by helping Model Managers address barriers to effective delivery. In collaboration with the BSFT Institute, EBA works to strengthen leadership engagement across ACS-funded agencies. This includes organizing quarterly executive meetings and ongoing coordination with ACS program managers and community stakeholders to monitor progress.

Multisystemic Therapy – Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN)

To address workforce challenges among NYC MST-CAN providers, EBA supports recruitment and retention efforts. This includes revising the MST-CAN Hiring Toolkit, training local agencies on its use, and establishing a centralized Recruitment Support Center. EBA also maintains a staffing database to track hiring and retention trends, ensuring stronger therapist pipelines for MST-CAN delivery.

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Nicole Janer

Senior Director – Operations
njaner@ebanetwork.com

Natalie May

Human Resources Generalist
mmcalister@ebanetwork.com

Click here to see our full team
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