Purpose
Parents and caregivers are often late for dismissal due to minor events that are quickly resolved. In many instances, when a parent or caregiver becomes unavailable or unable to look after their child or children, another caregiver (such as a relative or friend) quickly becomes available to take care of the child or children.
Occasionally, an event occurs where a parent or caregiver becomes unavailable or unable to look after their child or children and no other parent or caregiver is immediately available to step in. The precipitating event may include illness, accident, hospitalization, administrative separation (e.g., anticipated incarceration or detainment/deportation), or another event or crisis resulting in the incapacity of the parent.
The following provides updated guidance for when no authorized adult appears to pick up a child at dismissal.
Preparedness
All parents and caregivers should be encouraged to update their information and that of their Emergency Contacts with current telephone numbers and email addresses, including for non-custodial guardians and any other person(s) who they authorize to pick up their child. Contact information may be updated by submitting a new Blue Card to school staff or directly by the parent through the New York City Schools Account (NYCSA).
There are several ways to appoint someone to take care of your child in your absence:
- The first way is to designate a person in parental relationship. You can do this by filling out a form called the OCFS-4940 with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. This can be done immediately and does not require you to go to court.
- To find this form in many languages, visit the Form Search web page. Enter "4940" in the search bar and sort by "Number".
- The parent should share a copy of this form with the individual designated in parental designation, who may present it to school officials as proof of the temporary care arrangement. For more information on this process, visit the instructions section in the form, Frequently asked question regarding parental designation.
- The second way to do this is through a process called Standby Guardianship. This process requires filing with a court. Appointing a Standby Guardian for a Child | New York Courts
If a parent or caregiver knows that they will soon become unavailable (e.g., for a planned hospitalization) and they do not have anyone else to look after their child or children, they or the school may contact the Family Support Line at 212-676-7667 to be connected to resources, such as respite care or home care services/prevention services, that may be able to assist.
Procedures
If there is no authorized adult to pick up a child during dismissal, or an older child reports they are unable to contact their parent or their parent did not come home, please take the following steps in order, only undertaking the next step if the first one is unsuccessful:
- Call or text parent at known contact number and email. Ask student for current telephone number if last known number is not working.
- Call or text emergency contacts and non-custodial parent.
- If an individual not on emergency contact list is located, contact legal for next steps in authorization
- Contact school of siblings to obtain more information.
- Notify the School Safety Agent that a child has not been picked up and that you are trying to contact parent. If it is at the end of their shift , they will need to contact L3 for extended hours.
- Contact Student Services Manager at Superintendent’s office.
- Contact Citywide Director of Child Abuse Prevention in the Office of Safety and Prevention Partnerships at 212-374-0805 or 929-837-0112
- If the child’s emergency contact or contacts have not responded, seek the assistance of the local NYPD precinct. The NYPD may be able to check if the parent has been in an accident or arrested, and/or may be able to visit the residence of the parent(s) and/or the child’s emergency contacts.
- If the lack of availability will be temporary or planned, as in a hospitalization, contact the Family Support Line at 212-676-7667 for respite or homemaking support.
- If there are no emergency contacts, or they cannot be a resource (e.g., in a case of extended hospitalization, arrest, detention or deportation), call the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) to make a report of a possible or suspected destitute child.
- Provide Call ID number to the Citywide Director of Child Abuse Prevention.
- Once a case is assigned, ask the estimated time of arrival.
- Once a case is assigned, ask the estimated time of arrival.
Documentation
The documentation below is required following an event where the parent/guardian is unavailable at dismissal:
- Complete ILOG entry* – noting communication and outcome (include telephone number called and name of individuals contacted)
- · Complete OORS if:
- NYPD was called
- A call to the SCR was made to the SCR for a destitute child
- A child was removed by ACS
- If a child was removed by ACS, you must also receive 701c form or a letter/email signed by a supervisor. Send a copy to your District Student Services Manager.
*Note: specific sensitive information should not be documented in ILOG, e.g. specific illness, immigration status, etc.
Additional Resources
ACS Prevention Services - Growing Up NYC
Foundation Place: Center Based Respite - Rising Ground
What to do after a friend or family member is detained by ICE/Immigration
NYC Hope – Resource Guides for Survivors of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence