Two boys wearing crowns and leis. The one on the left has his arm around the one on the right.

Mission and Vision Statements

Our Mission: Nurturing a healthy and more equitable Western New York for the benefit of current and future generations.

Jesse did not expect to be in this moment. She never thought she would need help, but life comes with curve balls. Jesse is the child in need of counseling to deal with all the anger over what happened. Jesse is the survivor of domestic violence. Jesse is the foster child now part of a forever family. Jesse is the student who needed more time and attention to earn that high school diploma. Jesse is all of us. Jesse could be you. It only takes one loss, one traumatic life experience to need the help offered through Child and Family Services’ quality programs. We are here to listen and address your needs. We are here for the safety and health of children, families, and communities.

Our Vision: A thriving community where all people live in safety with dignity.

Three vintage photos in black and white show children at a table playing, the exterior of the Children's Aid Society building, and children in front of a Christmas tree.

History

In the 1870s, 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 were selling newspapers and shining shoes to survive. The following day, the same benefactors decided more needed to be done for these children’s future.

In January of 1873, the Buffalo Children’s Aid Society was formed. The focus of the organization was to defend the rights of children and protect them from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Child and Family Services is rooted in the Buffalo Children’s Aid Society, the Buffalo Charity Organization Society (established in 1877), and the Family Service Society (established in 1934).

Creating safe environments for children,
adults, and families since 1873.

For more than 150 years, Child and Family Services has dedicated its resources to meet the needs of children, adults, and families. One of Western New York’s most experienced human service agencies, Child and Family Services is a recognized leader in innovative programming and services that foster healthy environments for children and families in local homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. Child and Family Services is a nonsectarian agency that provides services to children, adults, and families without regard to race, creed, national origin, or economic status.

Fast Facts:

  • Child and Family Services is accredited by the Council on Accreditation Services for Families and Children, Inc. and is a member agency of the United Way.
  • Child and Family Services is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
  • Sixty percent of Child and Family Services clients live at or below the national poverty level.
  • Child and Family Services is a proud member of the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition. For more information, please visit https://letstalkstigma.org/.