Situation and Challenges

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) was experiencing significant public scrutiny as a result of several high-profile cases involving children in their care. A reform plan designed to address the most pressing issues and restore public confidence in ACS included mandatory employee training seminars for all supervisors, child protective managers, and deputy directors. As the lead provider of training support to ACS, the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies engaged the Lindenberger Group to develop a solution.

Solution

We worked with internal and external subject matter experts to design an employee training seminar program, Case Review for Managers, built around best practices in safety assessments. The program, a two-day workshop, included the following components:

  • Facilitator guide
  • Participant workbook
  • Case studies
  • Video demonstrations
  • Role-playing

As part of the program, we trained facilitators to handle an aggressive implementation program, and we provided ongoing coaching and support. The employee training seminar program was delivered on time and under budget.

Results

The program met the requirements of the reform plan and is now included as a regular course offering at ACS. Pleased with the results, they subsequently had us develop a series of workshops on other topics for the Administration of Children’s Services (ACS), as well as an onboarding program for four key populations within ACS:

  • Child Protective Specialists
  • Preventive Agency Case Planners
  • Agency Supervisors
  • Associate Youth Development Specialists

We were also asked to serve as a liaison between key stakeholders and to ensure that the program continued to meet the rigorous standards set by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

Because of its success, the CUNY School of Professional Studies contracted with us to design an employee training seminar for leaders within the NYC Department of Correction. We continue to support all of these programs, monitoring and documenting their effectiveness and compliance with deadlines and regulations.