Children’s Mental Health Coalition of WNY, Inc

Services Provided: Parent run organization providing information and support to western New York families of children with behavioral, social, emotional, developmental and learning challenges. Family support services, provided by family members who also have children with behavioral needs and challenges, include: on going education and training; annual conference; and assisting parents and caregivers with service planning and participation in services meetings, and achieving responsiveness from formal service systems. See website for details, online contact form, and county specific support services directory.


Family STAR

Services Provided: A program initiative of Adoption STAR providing a full service post adoption support program including clinical counseling, support groups, nationwide post adoption contact correspondence services, and search and reunion services. Associated with Tapestry Books, a premiere online source for adoption books and resources. See website for more online resources and articles, info about services and upcoming events. Albany 518-391-2515; NYC 917-470-9340; Syracuse 315-703-7511; Binghamton 607-330-2158; Rochester 585-672-5227; Poughkeepsie 845-457-4883


Niagara County Foster and Adoptive Parent Group

Services Provided: Parent support group for all of Niagara County Foster and Adoptive Parents. We share support, experience and wealth of resource’s without judgement. A kind hearted group of parent’s wanting to “make a difference”. Always eager to meet fellow foster adoptive parents. We also host trainings and holiday gatherings/parties for our kids. We are happy to be volunteers of NCDSS. Please contact Kat Walek for more information

  • Contact Person: Kat Walek
  • Address: 5042 Bayer Road, Sanborn, NY 14132
  • Phone: 716-316-1421
  • Email: fpkwalek@aol.com

The Parent Network of Western NY

Services Provided: Parent Network of WNY is a community resource for families of individuals with special needs and for professionals who work with these families. Parent Network’s goal is to empower families to successfully advocate for their children with special needs and to see that they receive proper care and education by offering seminars, workshops, conferences, information and referral services and resources. Parent Network is designated as a Technical Assistance Parent Center by NYS Education Department and receives funding from several sources. Services include comprehensive one-on-one support, workshops and conferences on various special education and parenting topics. See website for information on services and excellent online directory of local helping resources and agencies.


Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children

Services Provided: Spence-Chapin serves all people connected to adoption. Adoption-competent, trauma & attachment-informed therapy services offered in our Manhattan office and via video chat throughout New York and New Jersey. In-person and virtual groups for kids and teens, adoptive parents, birth parents and adoptees. Live, virtual trainings for adoptive parents about parenting across race, talking about adoption, trauma-informed parenting and more. Affirming support for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, single parents, LGBTQ+ community. Please visit our website to learn more!


Western NY DDSO – OPWDD

Services Provided: Family Support Services Coordinators are available at each of OPWDD’s regional Developmental Disabilities Services Offices (DDSOs) to help families access Family Support Services. Family Support Services can help in times of crisis when a family member or loved one becomes ill, or when things get difficult at home for other reasons. Find out more information about these services and supports by calling your local Family Support Services Coordinator. Support services may include: information and referral, family and individual counseling, recreation, after-school programs, support groups, transportation and specialized equipment and home modifications.

  • Contact Person: Susan Styborski
  • Phone: 716-535-5522 #3284
  • Website: www.opwdd.ny.gov