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News and Events Archive |
EXHIBIT AT RENSSELAER
RAIL STATION HELPS ADOPTION EFFORTS
New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Executive Deputy Commissioner Bill Gettman noted that adoptions from foster care were up 3% across the state in 2010. He reported that in the four counties of the Capital District, there were 89 adoptions in 2010--up 17%. In the past five years 386 children were adopted in the Capital District.
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The Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. (MHANYS) is hosting a series of community forums to discuss regional needs for the following:
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Suicide Prevention Services - encourage public education and awareness and awareness on suicide prevention and intervention skills for their communities
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Suicide Postvention Services - educate and assist communities in learning about the importance of suicide postvention efforts after an adult community member or youth dies by suicide
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Suicide Capacity Building Services – provide trainings and building/strengthening unified but diverse local coalitions.
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There are 640,000 professional social workers in the United States who have dedicated their careers to either helping people transform their lives, or improving environments that make such progress possible.
Office of Children & Family Services Links |
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Programs focusing on at-risk children have proven effective at reducing the rates of juvenile violence and incarceration, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
“Instead of waiting until a child becomes a delinquent, New Yorkers will be best served by addressing problems at the start,” DiNapoli said. “Keeping just one child out of the juvenile justice system saves our state $210,000 a year and even greater costs to victims and communities. Investing in children early is not only the right thing to do, but it also protects taxpayer dollars." Read more...
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 Differential Response in Child Protective Services in New York State
Implementation, Initial Outcomes and Impacts of Pilot Project
Report to the Governor and Legislature
January 2011
Intending to provide a more flexible and effective response to families reported to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR), the New York State Legislature enacted Chapter 452 of the Laws of 2007, which temporarily authorized the establishment of differential response (DR) programs in local departments of social services (LDSS) outside of New York City. Read entire report... |
Web Site Seeks Suggestions from the Public and Stakeholders to Provide Mandate Relief and
Save Taxpayers Money
ALBANY, NY (01/19/2011) -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the Mandate Relief Redesign Team's Web site to invite the public's participation in the process of reviewing and reforming underfunded and unfunded mandates across the State.
The Web site, http://governor.ny.gov/mandaterelief, includes electronic forms for Mandate Relief stakeholders and the public to suggest reforms to the system. The Web site will be an integral component to the reform process, which includes the Mandate Relief Redesign Team, created through an Executive Order by Governor Cuomo. The Web site will also include listings of the Team's public meetings and prepared reports. |
Jan 11, 2011
-- Speeds Payments, Brings Savings to Counties --
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), partnering with local social services districts, has instituted a pilot program that streamlines how payments are made to parents receiving adoption subsidies. Adoptive parents in pilot counties will have the option of receiving their subsidy benefits as a direct deposit to checking accounts or through a debit card issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank. |
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“Transformative Moments”
“Transformative Moments” is a mural conceptualized and painted by a group of youth at Ella McQueen Reception Center under the supervision of a teaching artist at Groundswell Community Mural Project, a Brooklyn-based non-profit organization which works with community members to paint murals in their communities. |
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Combating Child Care Fraud in
New York State
Fraud and improper payments in the child care subsidy program has become a national concern. To improve New York’s program integrity and accountability, OCFS recently hosted Child Care Subsidy in New York State: Making Every Dollar Count for leaders in the field from across the state.
Learn more... |
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U.S. Going to Ban Drop Side Cribs
http://www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?S=13677898 |
Prevention First-NY!
NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) announces a funding opportunity for not-for-profit community coalitions in New York State whose principal mission is reducing substance abuse among youth. Click here for RFP details … |
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MID-HUDSON MARKING WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY on OCT. 15
The NYS Office of Children and Family Services' Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) will co-sponsor White Cane Awareness Day on Friday, Oct.15, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Independent Living Inc. at 5 Washington Terrace, Newburgh (Orange County). Brian S. Daniels, CBVH Associate Commissioner, will speak at the public awareness event.
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 Child Care and Development Fund Plan
OCFS, Division of Child Care Services, is in the preliminary phase of developing its next Child Care and Development Fund Plan for the federal Child Care Office and is seeking input from local departments of social services and other stakeholders. Read more… |
Commission for the Blind and
Visually Handicapped (CBVH)
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A Randomized Trial of Healthy Families New York (HFNY):
Does Home Visiting Prevent Child Maltreatment?
This study utilizes a seven-year randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a state-administered home visitation program, Healthy Families New York (HFNY), in preventing child maltreatment and risks for delinquency. Based on the Healthy Families America model, HFNY strives to promote positive parent-child interactions, prevent child maltreatment, support optimal child development, and improve parents’ self-sufficiency. Read more... |
Award-Winning Online Clearance System
Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart (second from left), NYS Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office for Technology, visited the OCFS booth at the recent Government Technology Conference. She congratulated OCFS staff on development and implementation of the award-winning Online Clearance System improving child abuse background clearances for potential employees.
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Commission for the Blind & Visually Handicapped (CBVH) Executive Board to discuss services for youth Oct. 13.
Click here… |
Social Services Districts’ Protective Services for Adults Units
Recognized for Outstanding Programs & Practices
From left to right they are: Liz Norton, Tompkins Co. DSS; Kate LaBuda, Orange Co. DSS; Molly Light, Tompkins co. DSS; Tim Murphy, Orange Co. DSS; Patricia Jennings, New York City HRA; John Fella, Rockland Co. DSS; Marge Windheim, Rockland Co. DSS; Bonnie Fewtrell, Schenectady Co. DSS; .John Imhof, Commissioner, Nassau Co. DSS.
The New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) has awarded Certificates of Recognition for Outstanding Programs and Practices Promoting Protection of Vulnerable Adults to eight social services districts. The certificates were presented by OCFS Associate Commissioner Kirk Maurer and Bureau of Adult Services Director Alan Lawitz at the Adult Abuse Training Institute on Sept. 15 at the Albany Marriott. Read more...
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 The OCFS Online Bidders List Has Moved
(and it has received more than a fresh coat of paint)
OCFS is pleased to announce the launch of the new and improved Online Bidders List (OBL) website. The OBL now has a more streamlined appearance that provides enhanced functionality and interactive features to help OCFS communicate and disseminate procurement information more effectively to the vendor community.
The OBL has a new website address (URL). Please update your bookmarks and/or favorites accordingly with the following URL: https://apps.ocfs.ny.gov/obl
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NYC Children’s Services (ACS) and the NYC Department of Education (DOE) are hosting the first-ever HIGH SCHOOL GOAL SATURDAY. This event is an opportunity for 7th and 8th graders currently in foster care to learn about the High School Admissions process and to receive 1-on-1 attention with discussing the various High School options and assistance with completing the required application that is due on December 3, 2010!
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New York Government Leaders, Agencies, Awarded for IT Vision and Excellence
Albany, NY --- The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has won a Best of New York Award for Project Excellence from Government Technology Magazine for its Online Clearance System (OCS). The award was presented at the Government Technology Conference in Albany on Sept. 22.
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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s (HSF) mission is to strengthen America by advancing the college education of Hispanic Americans. The Fund delivers a range of programs to Hispanic families and students through community outreach and education, affordability via scholarships, college retention and career opportunities.
| For more information, visit the Fund's website at www.hsf.net or call 1-877-HSF-INFO. |
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ALBANY, NY (9/14/2010) – Dads and father figures are urged to accompany their children to school on Tuesday, September 21, as part of national healthy families and responsible fatherhood initiatives.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA) are joining with local agencies and community groups to encourage participation in "Dads Take Your Child to School Day." While this event is designed to increase male involvement, all parents are encouraged to take their children to school. The continued participation of mothers, grandmothers, and other family members is essential to youth's success.
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2010
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services and Office of Temporary Disability Assistance are proud to partner in this year’s Dads Take Your Child to School Day on Tuesday, September 21, 2010.
 Listen to the PSA (Public Service Announcement)
(English) (Spanish)
Click here to learn more...
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING INTERNET SAFETY IN OCFS JUVENILE JUSTICE FACILITIES:
OCFS will be holding the annual Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) meeting to consider comments about its computer use procedures, Internet safety guidelines and technology protection measures for youth in its custody in juvenile justice facilities. The meeting will be on October 13, 2010, 3:00 p.m. at Room 121 North Bldg, 52 Washington Street, Rensselaer, NY. Comments may be made at the meeting, or may be submitted in advance to be discussed at the meeting. Written comments should be sent to Jeff Evans, New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth, 52 Washington Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144-2796. E-mailed comments should be sent to Jeff.Evans@ocfs.state.ny.us. For more information, including existing computer use procedures, Internet safety guidelines and technology protection measures, CLICK THIS LINK. |
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Commissioner Honored
 Year Up New York presented Gladys Carrión, Esq., Commissioner of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, with its “Urban Empowerment Award” for her outstanding work with urban young adults. She accepted the award Aug. 3 at the organization’s graduation ceremony, in which 46 young adults advanced into skilled employment and/or higher education. Part of a national organization (www.yearup.org), Year Up New York provides low-income young adults with skills, experience, and support to empower them to reach their full potential.
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NYS OMH AND OCFS ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR MAJOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE EXPANSION FOR YOUTH IN BROOKLYN
(July 28, 2010)
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) today announced a comprehensive solution to address the chronic need for community-based mental health alternatives in Brooklyn for children and their families, and the lack of intensive residential treatment in New York City for court-involved youth with mental health problems.
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APEX (Awards for Publication Excellence)
The Office of Children and Family Services was recently recognized by APEX  (Awards for Publication Excellence) for its newly released self directed web-based child care training course – Shaken Baby Syndrome. This Award of Excellence was granted under the category of Education and Training in Electronic and Video Publications.
The Shaken Baby Syndrome course was selected out of 333 entries. This training course was launched on December 31, 2009 and has been attracting large numbers of child care providers to date. Over 5,000 child care providers have successfully completed the course and evaluations are overwhelmingly positive.
Further information can be found on the APEX website at http://www.apexawards.com/A2010_Win.List.pdf. |
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6-30-2010
“A new automated child care time and attendance system will improve accuracy and speed of subsidized child care payments.” Click here to read…. |
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Celebrating Adoption
Delaware County recently held an Adoption Day to celebrate four adoptions and recognize ten staff. A musical program, lunch and a display of the Heart Gallery took place in front of Family Court in Delhi.
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OCFS Wraps Up Foster Care Month at Walk
A large group walked to raise awareness of the need for adoptive and foster parents.
Albany County Exec. Mike Breslin and OCFS Exec. Dep. Commissioner Bill Gettman prepare for the area's First Annual Foster Care Awareness Walk.
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 CCTVs (desktop magnifiers) available for senior citizen centers. READ MORE …
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Symposium on
Educational Needs of Court Involved Youth
These are the proceedings of a March 19th presentation sponsored by OCFS. |
Featured speakers included:
Peter E. Leone, Professor of Special Education, University of Maryland
Joseph B. Tulman, Professor of Law, University of the District of Columbia
Topics include:
Basic Presentation of the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
An Overview of education needs of court-involved youth in the juvenile justice system and post-release
The minimum components of a good educational program for court involved youth in the juvenile justice system
An overview of education issues that are frequently litigated in other states
Watch the videos...
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The NYS Office of Children and Family Services' Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) and Hunter College are offering a unique career opportunity to upstate New Yorkers. Free tuition grants made possible through federal economic stimulus funds are being offered for students who are accepted in the Hunter College Distance Learning Rehabilitation Teaching / Orientation and Mobility (RT/O&M) Master’s Degree Program and the O&M Advanced Certificate Program. |
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Business Leaders See Major Economic Boost for NY
By Expanding Child Care and Pre-K
Investments in child care and pre-k provide a surprisingly big boost to local business sales and are critical in helping New York recover from the current recession, a group of prominent business leaders shared with state legislators at a news conference today. Read the report... |
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The New York State Education Department, in collaboration with the New York State Office of General Services, is pleased to announce the 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Display. All New York State schools are invited to submit student artwork and essays based on Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence for a celebration of his birthday in January of 2010. The categories for student entries include writing, painting, drawing, sculpting and photography.
All entries must be postmarked no later than Monday, December 7, 2009, and will be placed on display for viewing in the Empire State Plaza one week prior to the King Holiday, on Monday, January 18, 2010 in Albany, New York.
Please encourage your students to take part in this historic celebration of Dr. King's life and ideals.
For more information, please visit the links found below. We thank you for your time and consideration, and hope to see your student's efforts here in Albany soon.
http://www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/MLKArts2010 (MLK Program Information)
http://www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/MLKArtsFlyer2010.pdf (MLK Program Flyer) |
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HEART GALLERY EXHIBIT AT RENSSELAER RAIL STATION
HIGHLIGHTS CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION
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CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION – OCFS's Bill Gettman makes introductions at the opening of the Statewide Heart Gallery Exhibit Nov. 17 at the Rensselaer Train Station. Looking on, from left, are Laurie Sherman Graff of Heart Gallery America, CDTA Exec. Dir. Carm Basile, Rensselaer County Exec. Kathy Jimino, and Albany Couty Exec. Mike Breslin. Read more … |
A New York Statewide Heart Gallery was unveiled at the Rensselaer Rail Station today (Nov. 17), and will remain on display for two months.
The traveling photo exhibit features professional portraits of children and youth in need of adoptive families. The display is a first for the station, and is a cooperative effort of the New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS), which oversees adoption; Heart Gallery of America; the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA); and professional photographers who donated their services.
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 NYS Commission on National and Community Service to Meet
The New York State Commission on National and Community Service will meet at noon on Friday, January 15, 2010. The meeting will be held in the New York City Executive Offices, and is open to the public. Individuals planning to attend the meeting must register with the state Office of National and Community Service by Wednesday, Jan. 13, by calling (518) 473-8882. People must be on the attendee list and produce picture identification in order to be admitted to the building.
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In response to requests for assistance from local governments across New York State including New York City, Governor David A. Paterson today issued Executive Order 29 declaring a State Disaster Emergency, which will provide additional personnel and flexibility to local governments as they work to implement a statewide vaccination campaign to protect New Yorkers from H1N1 influenza.
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 Congratulations! ...
to members of the debate team at the OCFS MacCormick Secure Center (MSC) in Tompkins County, New York. They recently defeated the British National Debate Champions, who were on a two-month tour of universities in the United States.
Under the tutelage of Cornell University Professor Sam Nelson, the MSC debate team handily vanquished the British Team – and all the other university teams they’ve debated so far this year. The British Team enjoyed their visit so much, they’ve already asked for a rematch when they return to the U.S. next year.
Professor Nelson has been working with the MSC 18-resident debate team every Monday after school for five years now, leading them on discussions of current events and helping them to develop and exercise their critical thinking skills and the ability to speak extemporaneously in front of an audience. |
AROUND OCFS
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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| Pictured here from CSEA Local 663: Irena Glogowski, Treasurer; Richard Chaffin, President; Mary Hamilton, Vice President. |
For the third year, CSEA Local 663 Woman's Committee, in cooperation with OCFS Management, kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the "Save Lids to Save Lives" program by Yoplait at the Home Office in Renssealer. In 2008, CSEA/OCFS employees collected over 1,000 lids. CSEA distributed tubs of Yoplait to employees to remind them to contribute lids. |
The Industries for the Blind of New York State, Inc. (IBNYS) recently held their 2009 Employee of the Year awards. Read more... |
OCFS wins 2 Best of New York Awards at GTC East: The Digital New York Government Summit
Agency Award for Technology-driven Business Transformation: OCFS Juvenile Justice Information System (JJIS) Workgroup
Shown at GTC before award presentation (L-R): Sandra Carrk, Felipe Franco, Joyce Burrell, Tony Hough, and Gabriel Castellanos
Project Best Advancing Service to the Public: OCFS Commission for Blind & Visually Handicapped - Consumer Information System
Shown at GTC before award presentation Front row: Brian Daniels, Sharon Flom, Ken Galarneau; Back row: Ranjith Menon and George Warner
Click here for more information about the awards |
Oct 27, 2009
Madison County Adult Protective Services Workers Recognized for Outstanding Service
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) today (Oct. 27) awarded Certificates of Recognition for Excellence in Providing Protective Services for Adults (PSA) to Mark Babowicz and Dawn LaGreca, caseworkers in the Madison County Department of Social Services (DSS) Adult Services Unit.
Read the press release... |
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AROUND OCFS
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Promoting Responsible Fatherhood
OCFS is committed to preparing fathers in the child welfare system and juvenile justice programs to become responsible parents. Read more...
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| Goshen resident and new father visits hospital to see his baby and completes paperwork for birth certificate. |
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NEW BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM SNACK SHOP SERVING SULLIVAN COUNTY EMPLOYEES, VISITORS
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| NEW SNACK SHOP -- Employees and friends gathered at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello Oct. 29 to celebrate the opening of the new, expanded snack shop operated by Larry Houman (fourth from right) as part of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped’s (CBVH) Business Enterprise Program (BEP). Also pictured, from left, are: CBVH’s project manager Alan Gatoff; CBVH Assistant Commissioner Peter Crowley and dog Fonzie, County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis, BEP District Supervisor Bill Fiske, and Larry’s father, Larry Houman Sr. Read press release... |
 MONTICELLO – Longtime snack shop operator Larry Houman has a new, expanded location at the Sullivan County Government Center, thanks to cooperative state and county efforts. Officials and friends gathered today (Oct. 29) for the grand opening and to celebrate Mr. Houman’s success. Read the press release... |
Commission for the Blind Releases First Report
The Executive Board of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) has released its first report on services and programs for New Yorkers who have visual impairment or blindness. Learn More. Read the report. |
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING INTERNET SAFETY IN OCFS JUVENILE JUSTICE FACILITIES:
OCFS will be holding a meeting to consider comments about its computer use procedures, Internet safety guidelines and technology protection measures for youth in its custody in juvenile justice facilities. The meeting will be on October 09, 2009, 3:00 p.m. at Room 265 West Bldg, 52 Washington Street, Rensselaer, NY. Comments may be made at the meeting, or may be submitted in advance to be discussed at the meeting. Written comments should be sent to Jeff Evans, New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth, 52 Washington Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144-2796. E-mailed comments should be sent to Jeff.Evans@ocfs.state.ny.us. For more information, including existing computer use procedures, Internet safety guidelines and technology protection measures, CLICK THIS LINK. |
GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS LEGISLATION TO MAKE HEALTH INSURANCE MORE AFFORDABLE AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.
Read the press release...
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 Formula Grant Program Request for Proposals. Read more...
NYS OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
COMMISSIONER CARRIÓN ANNOUNCES NEARLY $1 MILLION
FOR KINSHIP CARE PROGRAMS
Allocation Will Expand Number of Kinship Programs Across State
COMMISSIONER CARRIÓN ALLOCATES MORE THAN $800,000 TO COMBAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Bid Solicitation Announcement New York State Kinship Caregiver Program
OCFS Annouces $1.7 Million to Hire Additional CPS Workers
New Child Care Resource and Referral services named to serve Cayuga and Seneca counties
New York State initiates green jobs training for troubled youth
NYS Commission on National and Community Service to Meet
Commissioner Carrión Receives Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare
Request for Proposals to Administer NYS Citizen Review Panels Coming Soon
Governor Paterson announces the creation of a task force for the prevention of childhood lead poisoning
Requests for kinship caregiver programs proposals
Advantage After School Program - Approximately $12.6 Million is Available
H1N1 Influenza Update
Six educational forums for youth in care tentatively scheduled across the State
(CPS/DV) Request for Proposals posted
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New Retirement Incentive Announced for State Employees. Watch the video... |
 Juvenile Justice Reform
Residential Care that Reduces Recidivism
Thursday, September 17, 2009, 1 – 4 p.m.
OCFS and the Division of Criminal Justice Services is hosting a symposium series to explore cost-effective ways in which New York’s juvenile justice system can be reformed. to learn more. Read More
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The Deadline for Publicly Funded Summer Jobs for Youth is
Fast Approaching!
This is a great opportunity for children in foster care, juvenile justice, and runaway and homeless youth, but they must submit their applications by:
Applications are available at schools and libraries, while in New York City, children and young adults can apply online here. |
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Homelessness Prevention and
Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP)
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announces the anticipated release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) in late April/early May. OTDA anticipates making available approximately $24.3 million in HPRP funds for a two year period. Click here to learn more... |
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Watch Case Worker Video Profiles |
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Vanessa |
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Child and Family Services Review
OCFS received the final Child and Family Services Review report from the Administration for Children, Youth and Families in March. Deputy Commissioner Laura Velez details some of the findings and next steps.
Click here to watch video... |
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Gov. David A. Paterson has proclaimed May as
Foster Care Month
New York State has about 26,000 children and youth in foster care. Also observed nationally, Foster Care Month is a time to increase public awareness of the need for people to get involved as foster parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways. It is also an opportunity to show appreciation for the dedication of foster families. Click here to read the proclamation...
For more information about foster care and adoption in New York State, click here
or call
1-800-345-KIDS
More Foster Care Info...
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Explore the following links to learn more about what you can do to prevent child abuse...
Office of Children & Family Services Links |
If you are a Mandated Reporter:
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If you are a Concerned Citizen:
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President Barack Obama's National Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation |
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A new website is launched containing tools and resources to assist districts and voluntary agencies in their recruitment efforts and to educate the public on the professional role of caseworkers. Read the press release... |
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JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM
Enhancing Community Safety Effectively and Economically
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In conjunction with the New York State Senate, Assembly member William Scarborough, chairman of the Committee on Children and Families, the Office of Children and Family Services and the Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives, the Division of Criminal Justice Services is hosting a symposium series to explore cost-effective ways in which New York’s juvenile justice system can be reformed. Read more...
May 7th: “Cost-Effective Juvenile Detention Strategies”
Registration and Contact
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 Budget Highlights
Executive Deputy Commissioner Bill Gettman talks about how the state budget impacts OCFS.
Click here to watch...
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Harriet Tubman RC residents Perform "Ellen Craft: A Train Ride to Freedom"
Harriet Tubman RC residents produced and performed the play "Ellen Craft: A Train Ride to Freedom" on March 11 to honor both Black History Month and Women's History Month. Read more...
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Champ's Toy Safety Coloring Book |
 OCFS is pleased to share this useful resource for child care providers and families. The coloring book is called the "Champ's Toy Safety Coloring Book" and provides information on important safety tips to keep children safe when they play with toys.
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A new "Working Together: Health Services for Children in Foster Care" manual is now posted. This 2009 edition is the first revision in five years. It is an excellent resource for case managers, case planners, caseworkers, health care coordinators, health services staff, and other agency personnel who coordinate or oversee the health needs of children in foster care.
Download the entire manual or individual chapters.
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Brian Lehrer Show - WNYC Radio
Juvenile Justice
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Is putting young offenders in jail always the best answer? New York State Office of Children & Family Services Commissioner Gladys Carrión talks about her attempts to reform the juvenile justice system to rely less on incarceration. Listen to the interview... |
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“Banking on Your Children” Initiative
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The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) has announced its new “Banking on Our Children” program and partnership with the Independent Bankers Association of New York State, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to educate children about fiscal planning and responsibility.
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 Handbook for Relatives Raising Children
The NYS Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) and the Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA) have partnered to produce this Handbook for Relatives Raising Children. It was written for relatives who are raising, or considering raising, children in need of a stable home because their parents are unable to take care of them. The handbook discusses the various options available to relatives so they can make the best decisions for their own situations.
NOTE: A limited supply of handbooks has been sent to local social services districts for distribution to certain relatives (see Administrative Directive 09-OCFS-ADM-04). Others may read the handbook online or print out a copy.
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New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Commissioner Gladys Carrión, Esq., is asking New Yorkers to consider becoming foster or adoptive parents as National Adoption Month events kick off across the state.
“There are 1,300 foster children in New York State who are available for adoption and in need of a family,” said Carrión. “All who are able should consider welcoming one of these wonderful children into their homes. The rewards are priceless.”
 See the new video gallery
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 ENGAGE: The Children's Plan
The Children’s Plan is a blueprint for how all we can improve the social and emotional development of children and their families. This can be accomplished by engaging children and their families in services early; ensuring systems are collaborating to provide effective and efficient services and meeting the needs of children and their families by focusing on their strengths and abilities. Learn more... |
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"QUALITYstarsNY is a Quality Rating and Improvement System being developed by New York State for early care and education programs. The system, once implemented, will recognize, encourage and reward improving the quality of all settings in the state where children are learning every day." Visit the QUALITYstarsNY website. |
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