NEW YORK, NY June 06, 2006 —A new special office set up to receive calls of concern about child abuse cases is being used frequently by city employees and non-profits who work with the Administration for Children's Services.

The newly established "Safety First" office was one of several reforms introduced by the city in the wake of the murder of 7-year-old Nixzmary Brown. She was allegedly beaten to death by her parents. The child's school, police and ACS all had contact with her family but there were communication breakdowns among agencies that the Mayor pledged to fix, in part by creating this office.

In its first four months 518 calls were received. According to ACS, school personnel are using the line most frequently but calls are also comming from police, hospitals and others required by law to report suspected child abuse.

About a quarter of the calls are considered serious and involve the immediate safety of a child. Fewer than 10 children have been removed from their homes as a result of the calls.