OCFS also coordinates, in part, the state government response to the needs of Native Americans and their children on reservations and in communities.

The responsibility to provide oversight is defined as (1) assuring compliance with OCFS regulations, (2) reinforcing good practice standards, and (3) improving district/agency capacity to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

In 1867 a Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities was created to visit and examine into the affairs of all charitable institutions.

[7][8] In 1894 a constitutional convention enacted a provision requiring the Legislature to establish a State Board of Charities to visit and inspect all institutions.

[15][6] The Constitutional Convention of 1938 emphasized the state's and its subdivisions' duty to aid, care, and support the needy, including children.

[24][25] Under Commissioner Gladys Carrión, OCFS worked to depopulate youth detention facilities and shift towards community-based alternatives.