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February 2021

¹ú²úºÚÁÏ & OCFS ¹ú²úºÚÁÏal Neglect Joint Guidance Document:ÌýNavigating K-12 ¹ú²úºÚÁÏal Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic: New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the NYS ¹ú²úºÚÁÏ Department Joint Guidance for Educators and Child Welfare WorkersÌý

• Replacing 2008 guidance, and applicable during and post-pandemic, ¹ú²úºÚÁÏ and OCFS’ Division of Child Welfare and Community Services released updatedÌýjoint guidanceÌýon February 10, 2021 related to collaboratively developed and implemented intervention strategies between the education andÌýÌýÌýsystems to address students’ attendance challenges leading up to, during, and after reporting allegations of educational neglect to theÌýÌý.

• For the purposes of this guidance, student absenteeism rises to the level of alleged ¹ú²úºÚÁÏal Neglect being reported to and accepted by theÌýÌýÌýwhen there is demonstrated concern that, due to the failure of a parent to ensure their child’s regular school attendance, there is reasonable cause that the student’s excessive absences have adversely affected or have the imminent potential to adversely affect the student’s educational progress.

• If theÌýÌýÌýaccepts a report alleging ¹ú²úºÚÁÏal Neglect,ÌýÌýÌýorÌýÌýÌýmay investigate.Ìý For some reports, the SCR may make a referral toÌýÌý: New York State’s alternative Child Protective response. FAR provides protection to children by engaging families in an assessment of child safety and of family needs, in finding solutions to family problems and in identifying informal and formal supports to meet their needs and increase their ability to care for their children.

Fall 2020

• On October 26 and November 5, 2020, ¹ú²úºÚÁÏ and OCFS’ Division of Child Welfare and Community Services held joint webinars discussing collaboration and shared goals between education and child welfare professionals, and specific to student attendance challenges, the role of theÌýÌýÌýregarding reports of alleged educational neglect.