Brooklyn ACTS

Teddy is one of TFC's many client children.

Teddy is one of many Family Center client children.

Brooklyn ACTS, or Brooklyn Action for Child and Teen Success, addresses the prevalent and often unrecognized impacts of trauma on children in our community. Children who have experienced trauma may display a range of symptoms or behaviors. Sometimes these behaviors are misunderstood as, or contribute to, developmental, educational or mental health issues. Evaluation by an experienced mental health professional is recommended for any child who is demonstrating behavior changes that may be linked to having witnessed, been a victim of, or learned about a traumatic event, including the loss of a loved one.

The Family Center’s Brooklyn ACTS staff are trained to identify and treat symptoms of trauma in children and to support parents and caregivers in understanding and addressing the struggles that their children are facing. Working with the child and their parent or caregiver, our evidence-based interventions help children manage and reduce symptoms and help families recover. Our services are available in the home and in our office. Services include:

  • Screening for signs and symptoms of PTSD in children

  • Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a best practice in the treatment of trauma in children, typically leading to significant reduction in symptoms in 3-4 months

  • Psychiatric evaluation and, if indicated, medication management

  • Individualized support and education for parents and caregivers

  • Case management and advocacy to ensure families have the services and benefits that they need

  • Health homes care management services to children who have complex trauma

  • Groups for parents including Parenting Journey and Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma

  • Recreational activities for families

Eligibility: Brooklyn ACTS conducts trauma symptom screening, assessment and treatment of NYC children, 5-18 years old. Services are provided in our offices in Brooklyn or in the child’s home. For children with medical insurance, some services may be billed to insurance. Please call our intake line for more information 718-230-1379 x140.

Languages: Brooklyn ACTS services are available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

This program is generously funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.