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


Finger Lakes 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: Amanda Sherman
  • Phone: 585-461-8726
  • Website: www.opwdd.ny.gov

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 Advocacy Center

Services Provided: The Advocacy Center empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to advocate for themselves and realize their personal goals. Together we build strong, inclusive communities by increasing the ability of community members to support and value all individuals. Services include infromation and referral, family re-imbursement program, volunteer lay advocacy, extracurricular and community activities for kids with developmental disabilities, and workshops and educaational activities.  The Family School Partnership program is NYSED-funded Special Education Parent Center, serving the Mid-West region of New York State. See website for service information and locations.