NYN Media: First Read Newsletter: NYC launches pilot to expand use of parent advocates in foster care
By Kay Dervishi
October 26, 2020
NYC launches pilot to expand use of parent advocates in foster care
New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services is launching a pilot program to expand the use of parent advocates who have experience dealing with the foster care system and can support mentor parents whose children are currently in foster care.
The “Parents Supporting Parents” initiative will be launched at two nonprofits, Graham Windham and Rising Ground, which will each include parent advocates in their foster care case planning teams. Parent advocates will be able to help parents understand how family court works, to provide emotional support and other practical support throughout the process. Rise, an advocacy organization that focuses on supporting parents involved with the child welfare system, will provide training and coaching to advocates as well.
“Parent advocates have walked in the shoes of those currently navigating the child welfare system, and their lived experiences can help empower parents with children in foster care,” ACS Commissioner David Hansell said in a statement. “Elevating the voices of parents is a critical strategy to reunify families more quickly.”
ACS has already included parent advocates at the stage in which the agency decides whether to place a child in foster care or return them home. Its implementation has led to reduced foster care placements and allowed children to return home more often, according to a study commissioned by the agency and conducted by the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Read more here.
– Kay Dervishi
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