On the Director’s Blog
Welcome to the Director’s Blog
Every day, news articles, Facebook posts and tweets come across my computer. There is so much going on the in the world of foster care, adoption and kinship care — new and evolving theories, ideas and treatments about the impact of trauma on children, a focus on well-being and permanency, a growing understanding that no child is too old for a family. Sometimes, it can be dizzying. Often, in the moment, I think, “I should write something about this to share with our members and friends.” And then the moment passes or something else comes along.
This blog will give me the opportunity to share what I am hearing and what the Coalition’s take on issues is. I hope you’ll be a regular reader and that you’ll come back often.
Governor Cuomo: VETO S4203A | A2199A!
We implore New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to VETO S4203A / A2199A the supposed “Preserving Family Bonds Act”. Mediation and support preserves family bonds. A court order does not! This bill, if signed into law, will unfairly subject adoptive families to years of ongoing legal expense and undeserved intervention
In Response to the New York Times’ “Preserving Family Bonds Act” Article
The New York Times published an article regarding the controversial ‘Preserving Family Bonds Act” debate on their front page.. This is the Coalition’s response.
Second Circuit Ruling Advances Claim for Increased Support for Children in New York’s Foster Care System
NEW YORK, NY: Almost a decade ago, Morrison & Foerster, acting pro bono, brought suit on behalf of the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York (formerly the New […]
Helping CHAMPS Collect Stories of Amazing Foster Families!
May is National Foster Care Month, and May 31 is National Foster Family Appreciation Day. The CHAMPS campaign (http://fosteringchamps.org/) is collecting stories about amazing foster parents and families in honor […]
Statewide Post Adoption Support: A Vision Realized
Beginning in April 2019, the Coalition’s Adoptive and Guardianship Assistance Program for Everyone (AGAPE) will grow to serve four more counties – Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Chenango. In total, we will provide post adoption services through OCFS’s Regional Permanency Resource Centers.
November is National Adoption Awareness Month; #Just Listen
As the month progresses and we all have the opportunity to engage others in conversations about adoption, foster and kinship care, let’s make the effort to really listen to and elevate the voices of those most affected. We need to look to the input of adult adoptees; to recognize their journey, celebrate their experiences, and value their voice.
Casting for Foster Care Documentary Training Film; Ithaca
We’ll be coming to the Ithaca area soon and are looking to continue doing short interviews with foster parents interested in speaking about their experiences. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form.
The Coalition Opposing the Aderholt Amendment
The “Aderholt Amendment” would allow foster care and adoption service providers across the country to discriminate against both children and potential parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and marital status.
Fifteen Reasons Why A5036B Must Not Become Law in New York
In general, the fight for Adoptee Rights in New York, and in many states around the country, centers on legislation to restore adult access to their original birth […]
New York City Conference Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Children and adults prenatally exposed to alcohol show disabilities in social and adaptive function that persists throughout their life. This New York City Conference Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders held on […]
Your Help is Needed
500 Postcards to the Governor A5036B, the “bad” adoptee rights bill, was passed by the state Assembly and Senate in June, but has still not been sent to Governor Cuomo for […]
Families Deserve to be Strong
Our Building Strong Families initiative serves to incorporate practical resources and advocacy tools via our web platform including advocacy efforts that will occur in New York.
Foster Parents, Reimbursement Rates and Taxes
Get the facts.
GMA’s Live Reunion of Twin Sisters
GMA’s segment of a live adoption reunion prompts a letter to the Senior Executive Producer.
Five Ways to Support Foster Parents
The Coalition’s Executive Director proposes five ways that we can better support New York’s foster parents.
Addiction and Parents: Reaching Out
What can we, as foster parents, relatives, adoptive parents and professionals do?
Perpetuating Foster Parent Stereotypes
As people who care about children in care, as allies and as foster parents ourselves, we have to speak up each time one of these stereotypes about us gets thrown about.