: The caregiver's viewpoint is critical; their input should be gathered first before coalescing other points of view.

Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths – New York 0-5 - OCFS

The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment is designed to support decision-making, such as level of care and service planning. The 0-5 version is specifically modified to be developmentally appropriate for very young children.

You can find official documentation and the most current reference guides on the New York State Department of Health website or the OCFS Reference Guide (PDF) .

: The tool typically evaluates several domains, including Behavioral/Emotional Needs, Life Functioning, Risk Behaviors, and Caregiver Resources.

: Use empathetic listening (smiling, nodding, maintaining eye contact) to build rapport with the caregiver.

0 (5).mp4 May 2026

: The caregiver's viewpoint is critical; their input should be gathered first before coalescing other points of view.

Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths – New York 0-5 - OCFS 0 (5).mp4

You can find official documentation and the most current reference guides on the New York State Department of Health website or the OCFS Reference Guide (PDF) . You can find official documentation and the most

: The tool typically evaluates several domains, including Behavioral/Emotional Needs, Life Functioning, Risk Behaviors, and Caregiver Resources.

: Use empathetic listening (smiling, nodding, maintaining eye contact) to build rapport with the caregiver.