Are you a parent of a child with special needs in Bronx, New York? If so, you may be eligible for a variety of government programs that can help you and your family. This resource guide contains information on national, state, and local agencies that provide information and specialized services to families of children with special needs. The Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded cash assistance program that offers up to 60 months of benefits to qualified families. Single people without children can receive assistance through the New York State Safety Net Program.
Additionally, New York State provides financial and technical support to programs in most counties in the state that help families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). These programs collaborate with families to meet the medical and non-medical needs of their children. The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) can help you find local family support in every neighborhood in New York City. ACS preventive services are voluntary and available to your family, regardless of whether or not you have an open investigation with Child Protective Services (CPS).
The Council on Children and Families is responsible for acting as a neutral body to coordinate New York's health, education, and human services system to ensure that all children and families in New York State have the opportunity to reach their potential. The Council has published a document called Connecting Youth to Career Pathways, which makes recommendations for addressing barriers to career and technical education (CTE) for students with disabilities. The Program for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs seeks to improve the system of care for children and young people with special health care needs from birth to 21 years of age and their families. Advocates for Children is a recognized leader in school reform efforts, having brought together community organizations, parent groups, and government agencies to address systemic issues and improve outcomes and options for all students.
Advocates for Children of New York has been protecting and promoting the educational rights of students with disabilities since 1971. They offer a Program Guide for Gifted and Talented Students for Students with Disabilities, which is also available in Spanish. This guide explains that special education should not prevent admission or participation in a program for gifted and talented students. The Office of Early Learning provides oversight and technical support to school districts in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies related to the education of students from pre-kindergarten through third grade that are aligned with the New York State Board of Regents' Early Childhood Policy. The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and young children with disabilities and their families. Advocates for Children also works to ensure that all children receive free breakfast and lunch at school, including those who attend private special education schools because the New York City Department of Education does not provide them with adequate public school education.
These efforts have the potential to affect thousands of children with disabilities within the New York City public school system. Advocates for Children also filed a lawsuit against the New York City Department of Education alleging that they had received favorable orders and agreements at fair hearings that were not being enforced in time. EmpoweredNYC is a new initiative designed to help New York City residents with disabilities and their families take control of their finances and become more financially stable. The New York State Department of Education (NYSED) approves preschool special education programs in accordance with section 4410 of the New York State Education Act.
