Adoptive Families of Older Children, Inc.

Services Provided: A peer adoptive family support founded in 1992. Regularly scheduled peer counseling meetings to share resources and experiences, social and training events, children’s activities, and information and referral via phone and e-mail. Most members adopted children from the foster care system who can into their lives in middle childhood. Many are single parent, transracial families. Serves the NYC/New Jersey Metropolitan area.


Adoptive Families with Children of African Heritage

Services Provided: Adoptive Families with Children of African Heritage and Their Friends in New York is a support group (2011) for NYC adoptive families with predominantly white parents and children adopted from the African American community, Africa, and the African diaspora outside the US. Main consideration is that for the full development of the identity of our children, family life is not enough and our children have to become part of the black community as well. We seek the help of friends, black friends (adopted or not), and black organizations. We are organizing regular educational meetings for parents and children and social gatherings with a focus on black culture. Contact us to participate and to volunteer.

  • Contact Person: Frank Ligtvoet
  • Address:176 State Street, Brooklyn , NY 11201
  • Phone: 917-624-2894
  • Email: ligtvoet@aol.com

Adoptive Parents Committee – NYC

Services Provided: Local chapter of large group serving NYC, LI, Hudson Region, and NJ. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers, panels and discussion groups. Pre and post adoption workshops available to members. Each chapter has a bookstore which carries an array of books and other materials covering topics on adoption and parenting. Family events including a picnic and holiday party are held throughout the year. Event schedule and meeting directions on website.


All Together Now Peer Support Groups for Adoptive Families

Services Provided: All Together Now (ATN) is a support organization for adoptive families. ATN offers fun, multiracial, and age-appropriate playgroups facilitated by adult and teen adoptees for adopted kids from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. A committee of adult adoptees, adoptive parents, and teen adoptees organize and put together the playgroups. ATN also provides a space for adoptive parents to gather, connect, and share resources. See website for meeting/event calendar, registration details, and meeting location.

  • Address: 176 State Street, Brooklyn , NY 11201
  • Phone: 718-624-2894
  • Email: info@alltogetheradoption.org
  • Website: http://www.alltogetheradoption.org

Boys Town New York

Services Provided: Common Sense Parenting (CSP) is a practical, skill-based training program that provides easy-to-learn techniques to build on existing skills or learn new ways of dealing with children’s behavior. Taught by professional parent trainers, each course runs for 6 consecutive weeks, from 6-8 PM with dinner provided. Trainings are held in the Boys Town Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan offices depending on enrollment. CSP trainers are also available to provide the program to outside existing groups as long as there are 8-10 interested parents. There is no charge for this program.Complete an online contact form and a Common Sense Parenting expert will contact you to discuss classes available in your area, the upcoming schedule and locations, and other class details.


Catholic Guardian Services FAPA

Services Provided: The Catholic Guardian Services’s Foster/Adoptive Parent Association (FAPA) had its genesis with the agency supporting foster parents on an informal basis. This commitment to serving and supporting foster parents was formalized through the creation of the FAPA. Today, CGS’s FAPA continues to carry out its original mission and purpose to guide, support, serve, and assist by working closely with agency administration to open channels of communication and opportunities for foster/adoptive parent involvement, problem resolution, and protection and advocacy for the rights of all foster and adoptive parents.


Concourse Village Circle of Support

Services Provided: Concourse Village Circle of Support (CVCS) is a group designed for foster and adoptive parents to meet the second Wednesday of each month beginning in September, with the last meeting held in June. CVCS meets at Public School 70, 1691 Weeks Avenue, which is located between 173rd and 174th streets on Weeks Avenue, Bronx, New York 10457, from 6-8pm. Dinner is served and there are babysitters for the children. Normally we have an attendance of at least 60 persons. The group meets to obtain information, to share experiences, to network, and to build relationships.

  • Contact Person: Grace Zarate
  • Address: 2200 Tiebout Ave Suire 6B, Bronx, NY 10457-2328
  • Phone: 917-612-3120
  • Email: gz2200@hotmail.com

Door LEAP ( Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential)

Services Provided: Targets young adults, ages 16 to 24 with experiences in foster care, the juvenile justice program or homelessness, to help participants to succeed academically and personally. Included in services are connections to Foster Care or Juvenile Justice Coordinator to assist in a smooth transition to adulthood, Connection with a Career Advancement Coach to connect then with education and work readiness opportunities for stability and stipends for new post secondary and first year of college opportunities.

  • Address: Bronx Youth Cetnter; 424 East 147th Street, 4th Floor, Bronx, NY 10455
  • Phone:212-941-9090 X 3369
  • Email: rriggins@door.org
  • Website: www.door.org

Dial-a-Teacher

Services Provided: The United Federation of Teachers, the union representing New York City’s public school teachers, created Dial-provides free telephone support and assistance with homework problems for students and parents. The service is free (the only cost is that of a local telephone call from anywhere within the five boroughs) and available Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 7pm. The staff of 50 experienced teacher don’t just give answers, They re-teach the concept so that by the time the
conversation is over a child or parent/guardian will fully understand and then continue the assignment on his or her own. See other helpful resources for navigating the NYC school system on the UFT website.


Families for Russian and Ukranian Adoption (FRUA) Northeast

Services Provided: Contact infromation for Northeast Region Chapter of Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption. FRUA focuses on international adoption support resources for families completed through adoption in Eastern European and Central Asian countries. FRUA offers families hope, help and community by providing connection, education, resources, and advocacy, and works to improve the lives of orphaned children. Contact Nella for information on local events in NYC and Long Island area.

  • Contact Person: Nella Yelenovic
  • Address: PO Box 834, Port Ewen, NY 12466
  • Email: fruanortheast@gmail.com, fruanortheast@gmail.com
  • Website: www.frua.org

Families With Children from China of Greater NY

Services Provided: FCC is a non-profit organization supporting families who have adopted daughters and sons from China. Our members include adoptive parents, adoptees and their siblings and other relatives, as well as friends and professionals with connections to adoption. Your annual membership gives you members-only access to resources and information about a multitude of adoption, parenthood and China topics. As a member you will receive regular e-mail updates announcing the latest events, articles and news of interest to our families.To join, first select a membership level and then fill out the form asking for basic information for you and if applicable, your partner. Please pay online using our secure payment processor. After your payment is processed, you will be prompted to add your children, if applicable.


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


FAPA at Abbott House

Services Provided: Parent led foster and adoptive parent group for families served by Abbott House

  • Contact Person: Bertha Patterson
  • Address: 1465 Nelson Avenue #1D, Bronx, NY 10452
  • Phone: 917-447-4890
  • Email: adina721@aol.com

First Step Women’s Support Group

Services Provided: Our mission is to help women in our community empower themselves and take control of their lives by making available to them venues through which they might discuss their issues and concerns for resolution,increase their awareness of issues and concerns that affect women as a group, and by provide referrals, information, networking opportunities and guidance to enable them to; overcome and resolve issues and concerns, build their self esteem, and enhance their ability to help themselves and keep their families together. Membership has many foster/adoptive/kinship parents but open at all.


Foster Parent Advocacy Foundation, Inc.

Services Provided: We advocate,educate,and empower foster parents and youths in the foster care system. We provide advocates for foster parents and youths to help them obtain the services that they need. Foster parents can call the hotline number to set up an intake appointment. We service the 5 boroughs.


Graham Windham Services Foster Parent Council

Services Provided: The foster parent council provides fellowship, information and an advocacy platform for Graham Windham’s foster parents. Meetings are held monthly in the Bronx and Brooklyn offices. If you have questions, ideas, or want to meet other foster parents, this group is for you!


Grandparents Advocacy Project (GAP)

Services Provided: Not-for-profit agency providing grandparents raising their grandchildren, whose parents are incarcerated or drug-addicted with advocacy; group support and events; and support with court dates, administrative hearings, and social security. No fee for services, call for more information.

  • Contact Person: Kathryn Gibson
  • Address: 1595 Metropolitan Ave #6G, Bronx, NY 10462-6248
  • Phone: 718-863-4776
  • Email: keggap@optonline.net

Infertility and Adoption Counseling Center

Services Provided: The IAC Center offers a variety of professionally led support groups focusing on varied phases of the infertility and adoption life cycles. These groups are formed on a regular basis and typically convene one time per month. Clients attending these groups tend to bond, finding comfort with other like-minded individuals facing similar issues. The IAC Center has coordinated, Support Groups for: Pre-Adoptive Parents, Adoptive Parents, Adopted Children and Teens, Infertility, and Professional Support. To learn more or to join any of our groups, please contact info@iaccenter.com or visit our webpage.


International Pediatric Health Services, PLLC

Services Provided: Pediatrician with 30 years experience as Adoption medicine specialist with specialty training in infectious diseases. Reviews pre-adoption referrals for international and domestic adoptions and helps families choose adoption options and helps parents find post adoption resources (ie. learning specialists, therapists, and specialists for medical conditions). Jane runs a foundation, WorldIwide Orphans, which has programs for orphans in 5 countries and has 17 years personal experience and expertise in medical and psycho-social issues for institutionalized children from in 14 countries. Email for more information.


Latin American Parents Association (LAPA)

Services Provided: All-volunteer organization of families who have adopted or who are in the process of adopting children from Latin America. Assists those seeking to adopt children from Latin America, support before, during and after adoption. Meetings and social events, newsletter (“Que Tal?”) published 3 times a year. Annual Family Getaway weekend.

  • Contact Person: Andrea Quatrale, President
  • Address: PO Box 339-340, Brooklyn, NY 11234
  • Phone: 718-236-8689
  • Email: info@lapa.com
  • Website:

Mental Health Association of NYC Family Resource Centers

Services Provided: The Family Resource Center staff has extensive training to provide a variety of services, which include: providing information and referrals to other community organizations, teaching parenting skills, running support groups, and even advocating for a parent who may be facing a governmental agency alone and unprepared. Services provided include: Warm Line for parents in need of resource information and peer support, one on one advocacy, Peer-to-Peer Groups for parents and youth,
Care Coordination Services, respite, Recreational Activities, Workshops and Seminars for Families
referrals are made by staff to appropriate community services – ex., mental health clinics, early intervention programs. See agency website for Family Resource Centers staff and locations in Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.


Metro New York 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. Other contact is Janet Davis 212-229-3112


NAC Post Legal Adoption Network (PLAN)

Services Provided: New Alternatives for Children, Post Legal Adoption Network (PLAN) trains, assists and strengthens the capacity of families who have adopted one or more children with special medical needs. Through parent support and education groups, case management services, referral and advocacy, crisis intervention and counseling, PLAN helps to support and improve the well-being and functioning of adoptive families. Children receive services that help them cope with the dual issues of disabilities and adoption, including family, group and individual counseling and medical and mental health services. Adoptive parents of children with special medical needs are eligible to join PLAN regardless of where their adoption took place.


NT Sports Connection Special Needs Options

Services Provided: Online Directory of organizations that offer sports program for children with special needs in New York City


NY Council on Adoptable Children (COAC)

Services Provided: COAC’s NYC Family Permanency Center serves post-adoptive families, families in the process of adopting children from the New York City foster care system, and all kinship care-giving families. All services are available in English and in Spanish to eligible families living in the five boroughs of New York City, and include :crisis intervention and information through COAC’s telephone Warm Line; individual and family counseling; referrals for mental health services linkage and coordination with other needed services; support groups and educational workshops for parents and caregivers and for youth; recreational and cultural activities for families and youth; and referrals for youth to mentoring, tutoring and employment programs. See website for details.


NYC Administration for Children’s Services

Services Provided: Directory to Community Resources for LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER and QUESTIONING (LGBTQ) YOUTH. Please note that although some places are listed under one category it doesn’t mean they do not fit elsewhere as well. Most of the services are for youth ages 15-22 but it varies from program to program.


Ohel Children, Home and Family Services Family Centers

Services Provided: Ohel’s Regional Family Centers and Offices are conveniently located in Brooklyn and Queens to meet the local needs of individuals and families.These centers provide a range of social services for individuals of all ages – from those in crisis or challenged by a developmental or psychiatric disability, to everyday individuals and families coping with the increasing challenges of everyday living. Agency service programs include family support groups, trauma services, mental health counseling and evaluation, crisis intervention, after school programs,training workshops, and foster care and preventative services. Explore the wide range of agency services on the website and/or contact Ohel Access for details and specific program admission criteria. Live help available on line.


Our Star Family, Inc.

Services Provided: Our Star Family, Inc. Offers free services to foster families in NYC.
We currently offer:  Virtual tutoring , Group / Private Therapy , College and G.E.D. Registration and Assistance , Career Building/ Job Prep/ Career Workshops, Clothing, Food, Job Placement, Baby Nurse Referrals, English Beginner’s Class, Family Therapy Sessions /Couple’s Therapy Sessions, Housing Assistance, Entrepreneur Development & Assistance, Community Therapeutic Events Parents Workshop /Children Workshop, Teen Career Start To Finish Program/ street awareness/
Most of our services are virtual, you would never have to travel long distances or find a sitter, in order to participate.
Coming soon: Teen After School Programs/ Scouts, Driving Lessons , Foster Homes/ Housing Placement for Foster Children and Families, Legal Advice, Career Trade Certifications, Day Care For Foster Children and Foster Families

  • Contact Person: Monique Gallimore
  • Address: 3669 Olinville Ave Bronx, NY 10467
  • Phone: 201-535-3243
  • Email: mgallimore@ourfamilyfoundation.com
  • Website: 

Rennicke & Associates Monthly Adoptive Parent Group

Services Provided: Monthly, therapist facilitated, parenting group providing a space for adoptive parents to get practical information, feel validated and create community with other parents who “get it”. Come join other parents who “GET IT” and receive practical skills and support that aim to increase your confidence and put some fun back into family life! This group is open to all adoptive parents, regardless of if you are a current R&A client or not. $75.00 cost per session.


Resources for Children with Special Needs

Services Provided: Resources for Children with Special Needs (RCSN) is New York City’s only independent nonprofit organization that works for families and children with all special needs, across all boroughs, to understand, navigate, and access the services needed to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop their full potential. Services include individual advocacy, specialized trainings and community awareness events to connect families to community resources that meet their needs. Serves as the DOE Parent Education Center for Bronx and Manhattan Counties.

  • Contact Person: Helen Murphy
  • Address: 116 E 16th St. 5th Fl, New York, NY 10003-2112
  • Phone: 212-677-4650
  • Email: hmurphy@resourcesnyc.org
  • Website: http://www.resourcesnyc.org/rhome3.php

SCO Family of Services

Services Provided: SCO operates more than 60 programs at 102 locations. We provide necessary services and unconditional care to more than 60,000 of New York’s most vulnerable people. Our Core services include early childhood,education and youth development,family support,foster care and adoption,shelter and homelessness,special needs and behavioral health. Services by location. See community services page on website for details.

  • Contact Person: Jeanine Bruno DeCicco
  • Address: 1 Alexander Place, Glen Cove, NY 11542
  • Phone: 516-759-184 x 309
  • Email: jbruno@sco.org
  • Website: http://www.sco.org

SHARE Family Support

Services Provided: Share Family Supports provides monthly foster and adoptive support group meetings: respite child care while parents attend our meetings; advocacy, resources and information to help families; and youth group activities as part of our respite services.

  • Contact Person: Antoinette Sumter-Cotman
  • Address: 119-29 130th St, Ozone Park, NY 11420
  • Phone: 917-387-0195
  • Email: ascoznprk@aol.com

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!


The Family Center

Services Provided: Provides free multidisciplinary legal and social services to eligible families in 5 boroughs of New York. Services include service coordination, legal / advocacy services, buddy and mentoring programs, and counseling. Emphasis on families living with aids or cancer and serious illness, grandparent/kinship caregivers, and children at risk. If we can’t provide the services you need, our informed and connected staff will refer you to an organization that can. Website has online inquiry form.


The LGBT Community Center Family Support Programs

Services Provided: The LGBT community is a family unlike any other. Through successes and celebrations, trials and tribulations, we have formed unique bonds that go beyond the traditional definition of “family.” The Center’s programming and services help you navigate relationships and parenthood. we’re here to provide services and support for you, from questions about starting a family, to parenting support and networking, to couples/relationship counseling, legal and medical resources and referrals for LGBT families, we can connect you with the information you need. Contact us for more information, or visit the website for program descriptions and sign up for the Center Families newsletter.


The Parenting Journey Training Institute

Services Provided: A nonprofit training program for family support professionals on The Parenting Journey, an innovative ACS -recommended parenting program for at-risk families. The program’s goal is to provide these front line human service workers with the tools needed to fortify family bonds and build family resiliency.


You Gotta Believe! Parent Support Groups

Services Provided: Agency facilitated support and discussion groups open to all families in all five boroughs and Long island. See website for meeting times and locations. http://yougottabelieve.org/get-learning/support-groups/ . Also has Radio support group every second Sunday of the month. Adoptive parents facilitate a discussion about parenting teens, field calls and emails from parents, and have expert advice for dealing with even the most challenging situations. See http://adoptingteensandtweens.com/ for more information.