a Parent Group Gathering to Discuss:

Moving Beyond Diversity Toward Racial Equity in the Adoptive and Foster Care Systems

Join us in the AFFCNY.Network for another vital conversation in our Discussions on the Intersections of Race and Adoption series.  Race should not determine whether a child enters foster care, is reunified, or adopted. Alas, sadly, it is clear from national data that Black/African American children have disproportionate permanency outcomes and experiences in foster care. The National Council For Juvenile Justice disproportionality dashboard revealed that in 2017 Black/African American children are 1.53 times more likely to be identified as victims of abuse or neglect and 1.67 times more likely to be in foster care. A report released by Child Welfare Information Gateway showed that Black/African American children are also more likely to wait to be adopted. According to the report, Caucasian children/youth are three times more likely to be adopted than Black/African American children and youth in foster care. 

Let’s get down to some of the real difficult nitty gritty. What do we do when diversity is not enough? What can we do to ensure that equity is a shared goal? 

Join Facilitator, Amy Drayer, with  and Moderator, Sharon Williams from the Coalition with our panel of parents and community members:

• Jarel Melendez; Youth Advocate Coordinator  at Lawyers For Children
• Kerry Moles;  CASA NYC
• Claudia Corrigan D’Arcy; Birth Mother 
• Danielle Skelly; Adoptive and Foster Parent
• Amy Chen; Adoptive Parent
• Rosie Williams; Foster Alumni and adopted person
• Sarah Gotowka: adopted person from Korea

RSVP Now to Join us on Zoom in the AFFCNY.Network!