The official account for NYS Office of Children and Family Services (#NYSOCFS), promoting the safety and well-being of children, families, and communities.
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ALT Alex Herrera performs in Epic Players' production of Rent
ALT Bold yellow text announces October 24 as a big day for voter registration and early voting deadlines in New York State.
ALT Commissioner Harris-Madden and event attendees pose with $2M check
ALT Group of New York State Office of Children & Family Services staff holding a banner for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
ALT Logo of Lights On Afterschool showing a stylized yellow light bulb on blue background with text about the national initiative supporting after-school programs.
ALT Graphic promoting International Pronouns Day on October 21, 2026, with speech bubbles saying 'Ask me my pronouns!' and examples like She/Her, He/Him, They/Them.
ALT Students in red shirts seated around tables in a library, focused on writing or reading papers while two adults assist them.
ALT Two people in a wooden stable attending to a black horse with a saddle, one wearing a helmet and the other a cap.
ALT Commissioner Harris-Madden delivers virtual budget presentation
ALT Image of mom and daughter. Text says, "National Parenting Week (October 19-23). 5 ways to help your family grow stronger (with concrete examples!)"
ALT 1. Build resiliency Everyday Actions: Engage with parenting activities, classes, or conferences at your day care center, school, or place of worship. Create opportunities where your child can explore their culture through reading, meeting others, and open conversation. Manage personal stress through humor, self-care, and community connection. Encourage your peers to exercise their unique leadership skills in their own families. Protect your child from being negatively impacted by stress by taking time to play, interact, and focus on them.
ALT 2. Develop positive relationships Everyday Actions: Reach out to your friends and find ways to show you appreciate them. Create inclusive and welcoming environments for other parents. Support your peers during tough times by helping them take breaks, preparing meals, or babysitting. Promote community engagement by going to the library, participating in school events, or joining parent-led groups.
ALT 3. Understand child development Everyday Actions: Model healthy development by creating environments for open conversation, learning (sports, dance, music, etc.), or teachable moments. Try out new parenting strategies through family-style meals, household chores, or one-on-one quality time. Get information on child development from loved ones, providers, or community agencies. Help other parents recognize their strengths.
ALT 4. Build concrete support in times of need Everyday Actions: Identify friends, family members, or communities who can help you during a crisis problem. Seek out helpful resources in community services, support groups, and providers. Don't be afraid to ask for help — lean on your support systems and communities during stressful times.
ALT 5. Foster social-emotional development Everyday Actions: Use tools and activities to talk to your child about their emotions (emoji feelings chart, drawing pictures, yoga, etc.). Model nurturing and support to your child through snuggling, active listening, and engaging in their interests. Involve your child in classes, the outdoors, volunteering, playdates, or creative expression. Help your child celebrate who they are by praising them, acknowledging their interests/talents, and engaging in their cultural identity. Work with your child on managing their emotions through direct attention, creating space for expression/reflection, or seeking outside help.
