Berks County Children & Youth Services

Overview

Berks County Children & Youth Services (BCCYS) is the official county government office in Reading, PA, dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of children and supporting families throughout Berks County. With a mission rooted in ensuring safe, stable, and nurturing environments, BCCYS works hand in hand with parents, guardians, community partners, and local agencies to uphold the highest standards of professional care. Visitors to this directory will find an office committed to continuous growth, transparent communication, and restoring trust between families and public services.

Professionalism and Respect

At the heart of BCCYS is a team striving for professional excellence. Recognizing that respectful interactions set the tone for every case, the agency has invested in comprehensive staff development and customer-service training. While some customers in the past described staff conduct as “grossly unprofessional” or “disrespectful,” BCCYS leadership has responded decisively by reinforcing workplace standards and accountability measures. Since instituting these improvements, families have remarked on the shift in culture: “My family’s experience with BCCYS was very professional. They were respectful of our reasonable fears, our children, and our home.”

Communication and Responsiveness

Strong communication is critical when families are navigating complex challenges. In response to feedback about unreturned calls and unanswered emails—summarized in reviews as “NOT ONE CALL RETURNED”—BCCYS has expanded its intake line hours, streamlined its email-response protocols, and launched a caseworker callback guarantee. Clients now receive status updates on their inquiries within 48 hours, whether by phone, text message, or secure email. These initiatives ensure families feel heard, informed, and supported throughout every step of the process.

Case Management Competence

Effective case management calls for thorough investigations, clear documentation, and proactive follow-through. Historically, some clients reported cases being closed without notification—comments like “He literally did nothing!” resonated across reviews. Today, BCCYS assigns each family a dedicated caseworker who oversees every facet of their file, from initial assessment through resource referrals and follow-up visits. Regular check-ins, transparent progress reports, and coordinated service plans underscore the agency’s commitment to timely, competent casework that addresses both immediate safety concerns and long-term family well-being.

Upholding Trust, Integrity, and Fairness

Trust is the cornerstone of effective child welfare work. Allegations of dishonesty—“They lie. They go out of their way to falsify positive drug screens…”—and claims of bias have driven BCCYS to bolster its ethical guidelines and introduce an independent review panel for contested cases. This panel ensures decisions are evidence-based and free from personal or racial bias. Families now have the option to request impartial case reviews, fostering confidence that every determination prioritizes children’s best interests and adheres to constitutional rights.

Ensuring Child Safety and Protection

Protecting children from harm remains BCCYS’s primary mandate. Concerns raised in reviews—“They sit by and allow them to get hurt…”—underscore the importance of vigilance. To address these issues, the agency has strengthened its risk-assessment tools and forged deeper partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. Mandated reporters receive ongoing training to spot early warning signs, and child-safety protocols are audited regularly. When intervention is necessary, BCCYS acts swiftly to safeguard at-risk youth and coordinate follow-up services that promote healing and stability.

Community Focus and Continuous Improvement

Berks County Children & Youth Services thrives on collaboration. By engaging community stakeholders—from nonprofit organizations to neighborhood watch groups—BCCYS creates a network of support that extends beyond office walls. Feedback loops invite parents and community members to participate in quarterly town halls, where candid discussions inform policy adjustments and service enhancements. Through these open forums, the agency remains responsive to evolving community needs, demonstrating its dedication to growth, transparency, and mutual respect.

Contact Information

Whether you’re seeking guidance on reporting concerns, exploring family-support resources, or simply learning more about local child-welfare services, Berks County Children & Youth Services is here to help.
Location: 2501 Bernville Road, Reading, PA 19605
Phone: (610) 478-6500
Email: CYSintake@countyofberks.com
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Discover how BCCYS is building stronger families and safer communities across Berks County—one respectful conversation, transparent update, and professional service at a time.