ADOPTIVE & FOSTER FAMILY COALITION OF NEW YORK

Manages funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to deliver post-adoption services, support kinship caregivers, and operate programs designed to prevent children from entering foster care. This includes expanding access to the AGAPE program for families in the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® initiative.

Hosts a wide range of peer-led support groups and networking opportunities for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers, as well as adopted adults. These include monthly virtual and in-person groups for parents, single parents, and dads; specialized groups for adopted adults; and events designed to build community and mutual understanding. Childcare and youth activities are often provided during in-person gatherings.

Provides round-the-clock, toll-free support via phone to adoptive parents, foster parents, relative caregivers, adult adoptees, and professionals. Staffed by trained professionals, many of whom have lived experience in adoption or foster care, the helpline offers judgment-free assistance, real-time problem-solving, and follow-up support for navigating child welfare, legal, and financial systems. In 2020, nearly 300 hours were spent responding to approximately 800 inquiries, with a 60% increase in call volume reported in 2021.

Hosts an annual statewide conference for foster, kinship, and adoptive parents featuring workshops, networking, and skill-building sessions. The event offers foster parent training hour certificates and provides on-demand access to workshop recordings through the AFFCNY.Network platform. Additional topical workshops and trauma-informed parenting trainings are offered throughout the year to deepen knowledge and strengthen family resilience.

Offers free, ongoing support to families after adoption or guardianship finalization, including one-on-one assistance from family support specialists and trained social workers through the AGAPE program. Services include tailored assessments, brief counseling, case management, service referrals, advocacy, and access to educational resources and trauma-informed parenting strategies. Support extends to accessing federal and state benefits such as Title IV-E Adoption Assistance, Medicaid, and the Federal Adoption Tax Credit.

Operates a specialized support program for relative kinship caregivers in seven New York counties, offering a 24/7 helpline, peer connection groups, trauma-informed trainings, and personalized referrals to legal, financial, and behavioral health services. The program aims to strengthen family stability and ensure caregivers have the tools and resources needed to support children in their care.

Leads advocacy campaigns to improve child welfare policies in New York State, including successful efforts to increase foster parent financial support by up to 46%, establish Permanency Resource Centers, pass legislation ending 83 years of sealed birth certificate policies for adult adoptees, and replace anonymous child welfare reporting with a regulated system through the passage of Bill S550A/A66A in December 2025. The organization also collects fair hearing decisions to support legal advocacy.

Organizes an annual storytelling event and other community gatherings that amplify personal experiences of individuals and families involved in adoption, foster care, and kinship caregiving. These events foster connection, reduce isolation, and promote public understanding of family permanency issues.