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WHAT'S NEW
KinGAP: Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program Guide
The state’s Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) offers financial assistance to related foster parents who choose to become legal guardians. The program provides financial support similar to foster care maintenance payments and, in most cases, medical coverage for the child. WRI worked with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to edit and design a guide that informs related foster parents about how they might qualify for KinGAP, how to apply to the program, and the terms of the benefits they would receive. It includes a list of factors for foster parents to consider before they apply for guardianship and a detailed table that allows caseworkers and prospective relative guardians to compare the options of adoption assistance, kinship guardianship assistance, and foster care. The guide is available in both English and Spanish.
A Medical Guide for Youth in Foster Care
A Medical Guide for Youth in Foster Care is written for young people who need to know their rights in both the healthcare and foster care systems. It answers questions such as, “What is medical consent?” “Can I get services related to sex and birth control?” and “Who will pay for my medical care?” Under a contract with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), WRI created a lively, easy-to-read booklet for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. Download the booklet here.
WHO WE ARE
Welfare Research, Inc. (WRI) is a nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance to enhance organizational and staff capacity in the human services, health, and education sectors.WRI offers creative, effective, and prompt assistance to public and private organizations with needs for research and evaluation, publications and production, and program support, including conference coordination, financial management, and grant writing.
Since its founding in 1967, WRI has worked with public and private agencies and organizations to help them meet their goals and vision. Projects are conducted primarily in New York State.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION
WRI’s program research and evaluation work varies in scope from short-term data collection to comprehensive, long-range analysis. Program evaluations include demonstration projects, multiyear programs, case record reviews, and impact studies following legislation and innovative program initiatives. Findings provide new insights into projects that are aimed at making programs more efficient and more responsive to client needs.
WRITING, EDITING, DESIGN
WRI contains resources to provide writing, editing, graphic design, and production assistance to agencies and organizations. Publication-production support includes consultation on format, style, quality, timing, and cost of project deliverables. Editorial assistance is intended to ensure accuracy, clarity, and readability in accordance with a given project’s audience and goals.
With these resources, WRI produces documents of high quality in both content and manner of presentation. Materials produced for projects include handbooks, guides, manuals, tools for staff and families, research reports, surveys, bibliographies, conference materials, newsletters, and public information brochures.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
Much of WRI’s work has been aimed at improving program operations as well as services. WRI offers cost-effective solutions that enhance an agency’s capacity to fulfill its mission.
WRI provides agencies with a wide range of program support targeted to individual needs. Examples include conference planning and coordination; planning and administering budgets; meeting reporting, fiscal, and recordkeeping requirements; identifying funding sources and writing grant proposals, and developing products that enhance a program’s capabilities.