Founded in 1999, The New York Foundling Vincent J. Fontana Center for Child Protection supports the mission and values of The New York Foundling by serving as the advocacy, public policy, research, professional and community education and development and program evaluation arm of the agency. In addition, The Center houses The New York Foundling Staff Development and Training and Youth Development Programs.

Download The Fontana Center's informational brochure to learn more about our multifaceted work.

Our Mission

The mission of The New York Foundling Vincent J.
Fontana Center for Child Protection is to eliminate
maltreatment through the identification and promotion of evidence-based primary prevention and treatment strategies.  The Fontana Center engages in research, professional training, public education and advocacy.

Our Work

The Fontana Center is dedicated to advancing the prevention and treatment of abused and neglected children. The Center was the vision of its co-founders, Dr. Vincent J. Fontana and Dr. Mel Schneiderman, who created the Center to:

• Advocate on behalf of abused, neglected and maltreated children and the staff and agencies that provide services to them;
• Conduct and sponsor research and program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of treatment and service interventions designed to achieve positive outcomes for children involved in the child welfare system;
• Provide training and educational opportunities for professionals and community members/general public about issues and topics related to the prevention of child abuse, neglect and maltreatment;
• Promote best and evidence-based practices within the field of child protection

The Vincent J. Fontana Center for Child Protection is located at 27 Christopher Street in a beautifully renovated building at the corner of Waverly Street, between the Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue. The Center is a building that is full of energy with daily training, conferences, workshops and community education events. We welcome you to arrange a visit with us to learn more.