Are you a parent or caregiver in crisis?
The New York Foundling
24-Hour Parent Helpline can help
1-888-435-7553

Crisis Nursery
Since 1982, The Maria Lucadamo Crisis Nursery and Family Center of The New York Foundling has been providing New York City parents and caregivers in crisis a safe, non-threatening place for their children while they get the help they need. We are a free, voluntary service located in The Foundling’s New York City headquarters:

The Maria Lucadamo Crisis Nursery and
Family Center of The New York Foundling
590 Avenue of the Americas (corner of W. 17th St.)
New York, NY
888-435-7553

The Crisis Nursery:
- accepts children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- accommodates children between the ages of 0-10 (slightly older when accommodating siblings)
- provides a temporary safe haven for children; stay may be extended to 21 days under special circumstances (e.g. mother’s stay in a substance abuse rehab program or an extended hospital stay for major illness)
- is the only one of its kind in the City

Parents may seek the help of the Crisis Nursery for many reasons: A single mother is hospitalized, leaving her children without adult care. An abusive ex-spouse forces his way into an apartment and threatens the children. An exhausted parent snaps, overwhelmed by her infant’s constant screaming. When extreme situations put a child at risk of abuse, neglect or out-of-home placement – we encourage parents and caregivers to bring their children to The Crisis Nursery.

While we care for children in a nurturing, comfortable environment, our skilled staff will help their parent(s) get the support they need. We provide a range of services, during and after the child’s stay at the Nursery, which includes:
- counseling
- case planning
- linkages to community-based support services
- practical items such as diapers, formula, and emergency cash for food and aftercare

For several months after discharge, Crisis Nursery social workers follow up with families and their ongoing service providers to ensure that they are receiving the appropriate care and the children are, once again, living in a safe, nurturing environment.

24-Hour Parent Helpline

In addition to providing a safe haven, The Crisis Nursery runs a 24-hour, 7 day a week Parent Helpline. Parents in crisis may call the Helpline because they:
- fear they will harm their children out of frustration
- feel suicidal
- have a runaway or acting-out child
- are the victims of domestic violence
- are in any situation which prevents them from keeping their children safe

Callers to the Helpline receive crisis counseling and intervention, parenting support and the information they need to ensure they can properly care for themselves and their children. We also provide referrals to: preventive services, mental health treatment, childcare, domestic violence services, prenatal and medical care and housing and/or public benefits assistance. It’s okay to ask for help if you need it. Call us – 1-888-435-7553. (You do not have to give your name.)