An office of the city's child welfare agency became a pop-up barbershop Wednesday, providing back-to-school haircuts. It’s part of an effort to help kids freshen up before classes begin–and to help the agency improve its image. NY1 education reporter Lindsey Christ explains.

It's a back to school special: a free haircut.

"My hair's looking crazy. That's why I want to get my hair cut," said one boy.  

One makeshift barber shop is actually the Harlem office of the city's Administration for Children's Services. The haircuts are a special event staff members dreamed up as a treat for their clients: children and parents who usually associate the office with some of the worst days of their lives.

"What we're looking for is to have a different image in the community," said Ducoste Lamothe, Deputy Director of the Administration for Children’s Services.  

This is the second event at Harlem Children’s Services office in four months designed to show a different side of the agency. In June, staff members taught a group of boys how to tie a tie in honor of Father's Day.

"In general, ACS is seen as an agency that may disrupt families, and what we like to do is to build family, and we're very interested in well-being, so we look to support families. So the whole idea of getting back to school, getting children prepared for school, building their self-esteem and preparing them for a great future," Lamothe said.

With the start of school just days away, more than three dozen families signed their boys up for a trim, and a few girls came in for a cut, too.

"I like it. It makes me feel good," said one boy.

"I feel very nice when I go to the class with my new haircut," said another.

The barbers all volunteered, donating their time and their skills.

"You have to give back in order to keep receiving. I received a lot, so I'm here to give back to my people. Not just my people but my community," said Glenn Felder of Designs and Lines Barber Shop.

"It's for the kids. I'd do anything for the kids. I have kids myself," said Chris Collins of VIP Style Barber Shop.

Most of the kids involved with Children's Services have had challenging lives, and staff says they're happy to be able to help provide some small positive experiences and services–like the chance to participate in the classic ritual of the back-to-school haircut.