About Child and Family Services
For 140 years, Child and Family Services has dedicated its resources to meet
the needs of children and families. One of Western New York's oldest human service
agencies, Child and Family Services fosters safe and healthy environments for children
and families in local homes, schools, workplaces and communities. The agency is
rooted in the Buffalo City Children's Aid Society, established in 1873, and the
Buffalo Charity Organization Society, which was established in 1877, and became
the Family Service Society in 1934.
- One of the largest private, not-for-profit family service agencies in the country
- Recognized leader in innovative programming and services for children, adults, families
and business
- Non-sectarian agency which provides services to children, families and individuals
without regard to race, creed, national origin or economic status
- 60% of clients served live at or below national poverty level
- Child and Family Services is governed by a volunteer board of directors
- Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children,
Inc., Child and Family Services is a member agency of the United Way, Alliance for
Children and Families and the Child Welfare League of America
History
In the 1870’s, Buffalo was an unwilling host to many homeless and poverty stricken
families. In 1872, wealthy Buffalonians, living along Delaware Avenue, sponsored
a Thanksgiving dinner for 180 orphaned and abandoned boys who earned their living
selling newspapers and shining shoes. The following day they opened their doors
to the same children on the streets again. They knew something had to be done in
order for these children to be helped for longer than just a day.
In January of 1873, the Buffalo City Children’s Aid Society was formed. The main
focus of the Society was to defend the rights of children and protect from abuse,
neglect and exploitation. Buffalo City Children’s Aid Society was the precursor
to Child and Family Services.