The Administration for Children’s Services partners with CUNY School of Professional Studies to create professional development institute for children and families services staff

New York, NY – January 5, 2016 – The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) and the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) are pleased to announce a partnership  creating the ACS Workforce Institute, which will enhance professional development for frontline staff serving New York City’s children and families.

The Workforce Institute will offer professional learning initiatives that move beyond the classroom to enhance skill development for new and seasoned ACS and other child welfare staff.  Programs will incorporate cutting edge learning methods supported by evidenced-based models, using simulation to strengthen core competencies for staff.    

“The professionals that work day-to-day serving the children and families of this city have challenging jobs,” said John Mogulescu, Dean of the CUNY School of Professional Studies. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be involved in offering them high-quality learning programs that will ultimately promote safety and well-being among New York City’s children. I am very proud of CUNY SPS’s instrumental role in this groundbreaking initiative, and look forward to our upcoming important work with ACS.”

“When we invest in our workforce the children and families we serve benefit the most,” said ACS commissioner Gladys Carrión “Partnering with CUNY will help us create a world class institute.”

When fully established, the institute will serve thousands of city and non-profit service provider staff annually. For the first year, ACS has funded the CUNY School of Professional Studies $7.8 million to implement this ambitious effort. In addition, CUNY SPS will collaborate with faculty throughout CUNY, including the Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work, as well as with many other community child welfare and juvenile justice agencies.

ACS is also supporting scholarship funding for staff members to earn advanced degrees at CUNY and other higher education institutions.

The CUNY School of Professional Studies originated the first fully online degree program at the City University of New York (CUNY). The School fulfills CUNY’s mission of access, reaching students with new modes of instruction, improved courses and curricula, and dynamic learning options that provide opportunities for the expansion of knowledge, personal progress, and career development.

The Administration for Children’s Services protects and promotes safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care and education services.

Press Contact: CUNY School of Professional Studies
Andrea Fagon, Director of Marketing and Communications
andrea.fagon@cuny.edu

Press Contact: Administration for Children’s Services
JoAnne Wasserman
Joanne.Wasserman@acs.nyc.gov