Foster and Kinship Care Support Program
Supported families equal strong families.
The Coalition is New York’s foster/kinship care/adoptive family association. We are a voice for families throughout the state. Our Foster and Kinship Care Support Program is the place to get questions answered, ask for assistance solving problems or inquire about additional training and support. We are parents and professionals with specialized training and experience working with families formed through foster care, kinship care and adoption.
Our Foster and Kinship Care Support offers support to all families from those just beginning the process to those years in.
A Source of Trusted Information
Need help figuring out where to begin? Maybe you have been thinking about becoming a foster parent for a long time or maybe you suddenly received an emergency phone call saying that a family member’s child has been taken into care. We are here to help you navigate these new waters. Whether you are just beginning to search for a foster care agency to work with or are questioning what the requirements are, we can help get you oriented and on your way.
A Network of Local Peer Parent Support Groups or Training in Your Area
The Coalition supports and coordinates volunteer and agency-led parent support groups for foster, adoptive and kinship parents throughout the state. We partner with other groups, large or small, to bring trainings and events to the vast reaches of the state. For parents, there is no better support than connecting with others who have walked in your shoes. We curate a statewide event calendar for all trainings, events, films, workshops, and conferences related to foster care, kinship care, adoption, and the issues surrounding.
Personal Advocacy and Assistance
Navigating the foster and kinship care system can be confusing. It can seem like an overwhelming maze of agencies and rules. Our system is layered. We are a parent-friendly resource that can help.
Our HelpLine is specifically designed to assist foster/kinship care/adoptive families, related professionals and those wishing to foster or become parents. Individuals who contact our HelpLine will speak directly with a live person, most often a parent who is also a professional in the child welfare field. Our representatives can help answer questions, listen and help problem solve. In addition to one-time assistance, we can also follow up with callers at a later date to provide continuing assistance.
- Any question, any time: With our 24/7 HelpLine, we are here and available when you need us. No question is too small, no problem is too big.
- Family Court: Too often foster parents and relatives receive little training about family court and law. While we are not attorneys, we can explain the process to help you be a better advocate for yourself.
- Understanding the basics: Considering become a foster parent? Have you taken in a relative’s child and are not sure whether or not foster care is for you? We can help you understand your options.
- All about financial support: Foster parents and relatives are entitled to financial support. We can give you the details.
- CPS and Allegations: We offer nonjudgmental support to foster parents and relative caregivers who have been accused of abuse or neglect.
- Advocacy and Ombudsman: Sometimes, misunderstandings arise when working with an agency. Our staff can work with you on a plan of action and, if necessary, speak with the agency on your behalf to work toward a solution.
Contact Amy Drayer
Those needing help and support may either call the HelpLine or reach out to Amy Drayer, Director of Foster, Kinship and Parent Group Services directly. Amy is based out of the main office in New Paltz and is usually available during regular office hours. Contact Call Amy at 646-688-4321 X1009 or email her at amy@affcny.org
Amy Drayer, the Director of Foster, Kinship and Parent Group Services at the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York will answer your questions every Tuesday and Thursday morning on Facebook!
Send questions to amy@affcny.org – put ASK AMY on the subject line!
How to Request Pre-Adoption Original Birth Certificates in New York
On November 14, 2019, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S3419/A5494) which allows adoptees to receive a copy of their pre-adoption, original birth certificate when they turn 18 years old. The application process begins on January 15, 2020. Find out how to apply for your OBC now.
Waiting Children who Need Homes
While the number of children in foster care in New York State has decreased from 53,902 children in 1995 to 15,820 as of December 31, 2018, there are still hundreds of children who are legally freed for adoption and need a family to provide for them a loving permanent home.
Coalition Board President’s Opinion Piece in The Hill | March 9, 2024
"As adoptive and foster parents, we believe our child welfare system needs repair" an Opinion piece in The Hill authored by Coalition Board President Sarah Gerstenzang and her husband Michael. Originally published on March 9, 2024...
Spring ’24 | VIRTUAL Reframing Parenting Workshop Series
Register now for the next round of ONLINE Reframing Parenting Workshops that will be starting on April 3, 2024!
“Somebody’s Daughter” Film Screening – Online American Debut with Zara Phillips
Presented in partnership with Adoption Network Cleveland and Adoption Knowledge Affiliates; Join us on April 1 in the AFFCNY.Network for the American online debut of this special new film: Somebody’s Daughter by Zara Phillips. TO REGISTER AT ANC CLICK HERE!
Susanna Furfaro and Diego Giurleo
2024 Beverage Break Sponsor
Holt International Children’s Services, Inc.
2024 Conference Exhibitor
Job Openings at the Coalition
The Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York is growing! We are looking for an Administrative Assistant for Brooklyn More to come. Watch this space.
Looking for Post Adoption and Post Guardianship Support? Achieving permanency is not the end of the journey. The Coalition, composed of many adoptive parents and relative caregivers, knows this. We not only provide ongoing support over the phone and through our parent support groups to adoptive and guardianship families, but are now offering an Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Program for Everyone . AGAPE offers free confidential assessments, education, support, referrals and brief counseling services. Services are available to adoptive and guardianship families and to professionals who work with those families. Support is available no matter the age of the adoptee.