New York City Daycare Abuse Substantiation Rates Rose
Parents should know city data shows a significant increase in substantiated child abuse reports at local daycares.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Child Care
As of the September 2026 report, New York City officials documented a jump in substantiated child abuse cases within regulated daycares to 24.4% in the last fiscal year. This increase follows a rise in overall reports of child abuse and neglect throughout the city.
Why it matters
The rise in substantiated reports has prompted city officials and Council members to seek an investigation into the underlying causes of these findings. Understanding this trend is critical for families as the city simultaneously works to expand access to thousands of new childcare voucher spots.
Official city management data indicates the substantiation rate for child abuse reports reached 24.4% in the last fiscal year, compared to 13.1% in 2024. This figure represents 564 reported cases within a system serving 475,000 children across 11,000 providers.
The players
Administration for Children's Services
The New York City agency responsible for child welfare, which investigates allegations of abuse and monitors safety in regulated childcare centers.
Kathy Hochul
The Governor of New York who committed $1.2 billion in state funding to support the expansion of child care access for families.
Devonte Brown
A former Brooklyn daycare worker who was arrested in February 2026 on allegations of molesting four children.
The details
The Administration for Children's Services monitors daycare safety by investigating all allegations reported to the New York State Central Register. The process includes thorough background checks on staff and immediate responses to health and safety complaints. Recent enforcement actions included the closure of the Eva Crèche Day Care center in Prospect Lefferts Gardens following reports of physical mistreatment.
Timeline
In the 2024 fiscal year, the substantiation rate was 13.1 percent.
In February 2026, Brooklyn daycare teacher Devonte Brown was arrested.
In September 2026, the Mayor's Management Report was released.
In October 2026, the city announced an expansion of free child care slots.
Health Landscape
The city's child abuse data is documented annually in the Mayor's Management Report, which provides accountability for municipal services. These findings mark a departure from the previous fiscal year's lower substantiation rates as the city simultaneously scales up 3-K and pre-K enrollment.
Parents can review safety records and inspection history for any potential or current daycare provider through the city's oversight databases. If you notice concerning changes in your child's behavior or welfare, discuss these observations with your pediatrician immediately.
The takeaway
The rise in substantiated reports underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance when evaluating childcare environments. Families should consistently verify the licensing and safety records of any facility and maintain open communication with childcare providers regarding safety protocols.
Further reading
For more information on selecting safe facilities, see our guide on Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
