CHILD WELFARE (FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION)
Adoption Album Training Manual—In 2008, WRI edited and designed this online manual, which (OCFS) recently redesigned to be more user-friendly for casework staff and families seeking to adopt. The NYS Adoption Service (NYSAS) and OCFS/Information Technology (IT) developed a browser-based application for The Adoption Album—Our Children, Our Families. This new system improves the current photolisting process and enhances the prospective adoptive parent registry system.
Adoption Attorney Rights Booklet—In 2006, WRI edited and designed this booklet, What to Expect from an Adoption Attorney: A Guide for Prospective Adoptive Parents in New York State. The booklet provides prospective adoptive parents with information on their rights and the process of hiring and working with an adoption attorney. The booklet was funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Adoption Case Processing Timelines Chart—In 2006, WRI edited and designed this chart displaying six possible adoption case processing timelines, depending on a child’s specific circumstances, along with the steps to be taken for each timeline. The chart incorporates provisions of the 2005 Permanency Bill. The chart was developed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Adoption Placement Project—The Adoption Placement Project, a combined research and demonstration project, was funded in 1977 to provide the impetus for extensive changes in adoption services in New York City. The goal of the project was to facilitate the adoption of children who were legally freed for adoption and for whom adoptive placements were desirable. The project hoped to accomplish this task by offering the participating agencies a full-cost reimbursement system and a program of technical assistance for agency workers in need of new techniques related to the placement of special needs children.
Adoption Recruitment Brochure—In 1999, WRI edited and designed this brochure developed by the Rensselaer County Department of Social Services to recruit adoptive parents. The brochure describes New York’s waiting children, adoptive families, and the services available for children, birth parents, and adoptive parents.
Adoption Recruitment Posters—In 1998, WRI assisted the Erie County Department of Social Services in the design and printing of two posters recruiting adoptive parents. This assistance was provided through funds from the New York State Department of Social Services.
Adoption Services Program Manual—WRI is editing and designing this statewide adoption manual for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The manual puts forth state policies and regulations about all aspects of adoption, from setting the goal of adoption to finalization. Chapters provide information on types of adoption proceedings, how a child is freed for adoption, the role of the caseworker, services to birth parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and children, and changes in the law reflecting the 2005 Permanency Bill.
Agenda for Children Tomorrow (ACT) Brochure—With support from The Fund for the City of New York, in 1998 WRI wrote, designed, and produced an informational brochure for ACT, which is a public-private partnership working with selected New York City neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life for families and children. ACT is currently housed in the City’s Administration for Children’s Services.
Assessing Secondary Prevention of Foster Care—In 1980, with funding from the federal Administration on Children and Families, Office of Human Development Services, New York City contracted with WRI to study the effectiveness and cost of preventive services designed to prevent or reduce children’s need for foster care. In 1981-82, WRI analyzed the program proposals and performance of the 61 agencies that provided preventive services under contract to the City’s Human Resources Administration. We examined nearly 200 characteristics related to budgets, caseloads, services, and staffing to identify significant correlations between program characteristics, per-case costs, and case outcomes.
Audiovisual Presentation on the New York State Central Register on Child Abuse and Neglect—In 1986, WRI produced a 10-minute slide-tape presentation to publicize the purpose and operation of New York State’s central office for the reporting of child abuse and neglect. Aimed both at the general public and “mandated reporters,” the presentation was designed to explain the State Central Register, encourage use of the State’s hotline for reporting suspected abuse or neglect, and reduce the number of inappropriate reports. First Lady Matilda Cuomo narrated the presentation’s introduction and conclusion.
Bibliography of Innovative Program Models—In 1999, WRI conducted research into innovative model programs in foster care, adoption, and preventive services. This work resulted in an annotated bibliography and a list of national and state resources and organizations. The bibliography was requested for use by county directors of services in New York State.
Case Record Review: Atlanta––In 2003, WRI assisted Children’s Rights, Inc. in its review of records of foster care cases in two Atlanta Counties, Fulton and DeKalb. WRI edited and formatted the instrument used by case readers, assisted with the recruitment and hiring of case readers and supervisors, and coordinated the case reading process.
Case Record Review: Philadelphia—In 1996–97, WRI assisted Children’s Rights, Inc. in its review of records of child welfare cases in the City of Philadelphia. WRI edited and formatted the instrument used by case readers, assisted with the recruitment and hiring of case readers and supervisors, and coordinated the case reading process.
Case Record Review Instrument: Florida—In 2001, WRI completed the development and design of a case record review instrument to collect information from the Florida Department of Children and Families. The goal of the project was to obtain information about the supervision and management of foster care throughout the state. WRI provided this technical assistance for Children’s Rights, Inc.
Challenges & Solutions Newsletter—To inform the public and child welfare stakeholders on current initiatives that promote permanency for children, OCFS is disseminating a newsletter electronically statewide. WRI writes and designs Challenges & Solutions, a quarterly newsletter that highlights state and local initiatives and announces upcoming conferences and events
Child Protective Services Field Operations Manual—In 1992, with funding from the State Department of Social Services, WRI developed a policies and procedures manual for child protective caseworkers in New York City. WRI worked closely with staff of the Child Welfare Administration to produce a manual that meets the needs of workers for information and guidance in their day-to-day work. Topics include intake and assessment, services, protective removal, legal activities, documentation, and case closing. Appendices include forms, protocols, resources, and other helpful materials.
Child Protective Services in New York City: An Analysis of Case Management—In 1979, WRI reviewed cases and interviewed staff in order to analyze the effectiveness of the case management process of New York City’s Protective Services. The project resulted in recommendations regarding the steps of the case management process, the decision-making process, forms for documentation and monitoring, development of screening units to validate suspicion, special units to handle court proceedings, staff training and qualifications, and local planning for child protective services.
Child Protective Services Manual Series—In 1980, on behalf of the State Department of Social Services, WRI developed documents to increase the level of standardization and coordination throughout the child protective services system in New York State. Major project activities included the design and development of the comprehensive New York State Child Protective Services Manual Series. These documents outlined operating procedures for the primary individuals and organizations involved in reporting or responding to an incident of child abuse or maltreatment.
Child Welfare Financing Training—WRI provided logistical support to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for a series of six training sessions around the state on “Improving Child Welfare Services: Implementing Child Welfare Finance and the Child and Family Service Review (CFSR) Program Improvement Plan.” WRI obtained the training sites, designed and ordered the necessary materials, and coordinated the registration process. The sessions were held in Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and New York City throughout the month of October 2002.
Child Welfare Seminars—In 1988, WRI assisted Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service in conducting three seminars for a select audience of 300 individuals with a major interest in child welfare. The “hypotheticals” explored child welfare dilemmas regarding issues like ethnic and religious matching, child protection and the criminal justice perspective, and children’s rights in foster care. Our assistance included support in selecting topics, moderators and panelists, and communicating with the target audience.
Child Welfare Training and Technical Assistance—The Child Welfare Reform Act (CWRA) and federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) required that the New York State Office of Children and Family Services develop and implement standards for child welfare practice. This project seeks to reduce barriers to permanency planning for children in out-of-home care. Through training and technical assistance, caseworkers, supervisors, attorneys, and administrators develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to overcome local barriers to permanency. WRI coordinates and manages the training and technical assistance and develops materials for use in training.
Community Profiles for New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services—In 1998, WRI assisted the Administration for Children’s Services in database development and programming to produce community profiles on all five boroughs for use by the Office of Community Planning and Development.
Congregate Care Child Care Manual—In 1999, WRI assisted the New York City Administration for Children’s Services in the development and production of a manual for child care and social work staff working in ACS congregate care facilities. The manual covers aspects of daily life and policy such as confidentiality, transportation, education, recreation, behavior management, and supervision.
Curriculum for Foster Care Caseworkers—WRI worked with St. Christopher-Ottilie Services for Children and Families (now SCO Family of Services) to develop a training curriculum for caseworkers in foster care, completed in early 2001. Part of the Families Together Project, the curriculum covers early engagement of families when a child is placed in foster care and the use of Service Plan Reviews and Family Group Conferences. This is a skill-based curriculum to enhance casework practice in working with families to achieve permanency for children placed in foster care.
Decision Making in the Management of Child Abuse Cases—To develop a better understanding of how professionals make decisions in managing child abuse cases, the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) in the Province of Ontario, Canada, contracted with WRI in 1983 to conduct an extensive literature review on decision-making research. The major objectives of the study were to provide MCSS with (1) a thorough and clear state-of-the-art knowledge of various approaches and techniques used in the study of decision making, and (2) detailed study guidelines for conducting research in child abuse decision making in Ontario.
Desk Aids for New York City’s Caseworkers—WRI developed and produced a desk aid on family conferences and updated existing desk aids for use by staff in all five borough offices of the City’s Administration for Children’s Services in 2002. The desk aids present information on placement, investigation, Instant Response Team (IRT) protocol, and information and referral. The desk aids are one-page colored laminated sheets that present information in a concise, accessible format.
Desk Aids for St. Christopher-Ottilie Services for Children and Families—In 1999, WRI completed development and production of desk aids on placement in foster care, information and referral addresses and telephone numbers, and a guide to levels of care. These materials were developed to guide caseworkers and supervisors in their day-to-day work at St. Christopher-Ottilie (now SCO Family of Services).
Directors of Services Forum Literature Search—WRI conducted a search for articles on four aspects of the child welfare system: organizational growth and development; supervision of supervisors; casework practice and child welfare outcomes; and management for child safety. The articles were distributed at the November 2006 conference for LDSS directors of services at the White Eagle Conference Center in Hamilton, NY.
Directory of Community-Based Family and Child Caring Agencies and Local Directors of Services in New York State––The directory lists the member agencies of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA) and directors of services of local departments of social services. Each listing includes the agency name, address, telephone and fax numbers, name of executive director or director of services, and e-mail address. WRI obtained the information and designed the directory for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Eligibility Manual for Child Welfare Programs—In 2002–03, WRI assisted the New York State Office of Children and Family Services in developing a manual for workers across the state responsible for documenting eligibility for child welfare programs—Title IV-E, TANF-EAF, Title XX Below 200% of Poverty, and Medicaid. The manual includes forms, checklists, and reference materials.
Evaluation of Court-Appointed Volunteers in New York State—With funding from the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation in 1987, WRI studied the use of court-appointed volunteers in foster care court proceedings, analyzed their role, and assessed their effectiveness and future potential. The study included an examination of background material as well as current practices and developed recommendations with respect to policy, administration, and legislation.
Evaluation of Special Needs Adoption Training—In 1996–97, WRI worked with the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs in New York City to document the impact of special needs adoption training provided to PRACA staff by Spaulding for Children. WRI developed the participant questionnaires for both immediate and long-term feedback and conducted interviews with administrators and caseworkers. This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Evaluation of the Child Abuse Prevention Act—In 1985, New York State passed the Child Abuse Prevention Act (CAPA) to protect children from abuse and maltreatment when they are in care away from their homes. The New York State Council on Children and Families contracted with WRI to conduct a 30-month study of the implementation and effectiveness of the act. The goals of this evaluation were (1) to determine whether the new standards and procedures have had a positive impact on the reporting, investigation, prevention, and remediation of child abuse and maltreatment in residential settings, and (2) to make recommendations regarding the protection of children from abuse and neglect, including the advisability of extending the act to additional out-of-home settings. The evaluation was completed in 1989.
Evaluation of the Child Welfare Reform Act—New York State’s Child Welfare Reform Act of 1979 mandated the provision of preventive services enabling children at risk of foster care to remain with their families or to return home if already in foster care. The legislation gave the State Division of the Budget (DOB) responsibility for the evaluation of the act’s implementation and effectiveness. WRI contracted with DOB to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of child welfare services, management systems, staff training, reimbursement procedures, sanctions, and other measures mandated by the act.
WRI’s evaluation of planning and implementation activities was described in an “interim” report submitted by the Division of the Budget to the Governor and the Legislature in September 1982. A final evaluation report on the programmatic and fiscal impacts and effectiveness of the child welfare reforms was submitted in late 1985.
Evaluation of the Child Support Warrants Demonstration Project—In 1977, the New York State Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) initiated a 12-month demonstration project to determine whether vigorous enforcement of warrants would significantly increase the recovery of child support payments. The project established a task force to execute selected Title IV-D related support warrants in two boroughs of New York City (Brooklyn and Queens) and to compare the results of the effort with the results of ordinary enforcement procedures in two control sites (Manhattan and the Bronx). WRI contracted to provide training and technical assistance to OCSE staff and monitor and evaluate the work of the task force.
Evaluation of the Families Together Project—In early 2001, WRI completed its evaluation of the Families Together Project, conducted at St. Christopher-Ottilie Services for Children and Families (now SCO Family of Services). This three-year initiative funded by the federal Administration on Children, Youth and Families had several objectives related to empowering families to take responsibility for their own service plans, speeding family reunification for children and youth who are likely to return to their parents or relatives, expediting the choice of adoption or guardianship as a permanency planning goal for children who are least likely to return home, and other related issues. The use of Concurrent Permanency Planning and Family Group Conferencing as methods of practice was stressed and evaluated for replication by other agencies.
Evaluation of the New York State Adoption Exchange—When a photo-listing of New York State children available for adoption was mandated in July 1975, the State Department of Social Services contracted with WRI to study the factors that would determine the success of such a system. Project objectives included assessment of adoption workers experiences, agencies’ use of computer-generated referrals, citizen groups’ complaints about the exchange, and other states exchanges or listing services. The Adoption Exchange’s in-office procedures were also observed and evaluated.
Evaluation of the Test of Regional Planning for Adoption—In 1978, WRI participated with Parsons Child and Family Center and 23 public and voluntary adoption agencies in a 17-county area of New York State in the development of this project. The agencies sought to demonstrate that the services and programs needed to achieve adoption of “hard to place” children could be provided through a regional approach among adoption agencies, sharing recruitment and placement goals, and pooling and matching available families and available children. The WRI evaluation found the staff training sessions, videotape presentations of children, and active recruitment of potential parents especially effective in achieving adoptions.
Familial Foster Care: Use of Extended-Family Members for Foster Family Placements—The Puerto Rican Association of Community Affairs (PRACA) in New York City, conducted a two-year demonstration project in the early 1980s to encourage the placement of children with extended family members as a means of reducing the length of time that children stay in foster care. As monitor and evaluator of the project, WRI sought to clarify the nature of the support provided by Hispanic extended family members and the ways in which this support relates to agency foster care and preventive services. Among the significant findings was the fact that extended family members frequently need financial and other types of assistance to maintain additional children in their homes for more than a short period.
Family Meeting Materials––In 2005, at the request of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, WRI researched and reviewed literature and materials for six family engagement models in use around the country. Each model is designed to encourage family members to participate in planning for the future of their children entering foster care. This “tool kit” included procedures, policies, evaluation instruments, sample forms, and training curricula.
Finding Absent Fathers Report—To help the New York State Office of Children and Family Services learn more about how child welfare workers search for absent fathers when a child is placed in foster care, WRI administered a survey on the actions and strategies they use in their attempts to find absent fathers. The final report contains two parts: one on New York City data and one on New York State data. The report was submitted to OCFS in 2004 as information for further planning and action.
Forums on Adoption and Safe Families Act—At the request of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services in 1999, WRI provided technical assistance in arranging for regional forums to train local district and voluntary agency staff on implementation of the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA). WRI identified training sites and made arrangements for sessions in Long Island, Manhattan, Albany, Yonkers, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse. WRI produced participant packets and other conference materials (e.g. name tags, registration posters, markers) and managed the registration process for each forum.
Forums on Title IV-E Court-related Eligibility—WRI was asked to coordinate logistics for six forums in each of the OCFS regions in the fall of 2004. Forums were held in Albany, Rochester, Kingston, Syracuse, Long Island, and New York City. WRI staff made all arrangements to acquire the training sites, accepted registrations, and entered participant information into the STARS electronic system. In addition, staff reproduced informational materials included in the packets for each participant, and provided registration and general on-site assistance at each of the forums.
Foster/Adoptive Parent Recruitment Public Awareness Campaign—To help recruit foster and adoptive parents across New York State, the Office of Children and Family Services initiated a public awareness campaign in 2002 that is still in place. WRI designed a poster and a flyer and wrote and designed an accompanying brochure with information on becoming a foster parent and adopting a child. The theme of the campaign is “A child is waiting…open your heart, open your home.” The materials are available in English and Spanish.
Foster Boarding Home Regulations—At the request of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, WRI designed and produced the booklet containing Regulations for Certified and Approved Foster Family Boarding Homes and Regulations for Designated Emergency Foster Family Boarding Homes. The initial booklet, printed in 2004, was updated in 2007.
Foster Care/Adoption Services Manual—In 1993, WRI completed a policies and procedures manual for staff working in foster care and adoption. With funds from the State Department of Social Services, WRI developed the manual for staff of New York City’s Child Welfare Administration. The DAFCS manual presents all aspects of placement including how a child is placed, the home study process for certification or approval of foster homes, permanency planning, legal activities, documentation, service provision or referral, and the closing of a case.
Foster Care Management: A Replication of the Oregon Project in New York State—In 1980, to help increase the movement of children out of foster care, WRI developed training materials and a training program focused on intensive caseworker services, permanency planning procedures, and the legal termination of parental rights for caseworkers in Albany, Dutchess, Rensselaer, and Schenectady counties. As a result of improved casework, the number of children who achieved permanent placements was significantly increased in the project counties.
Foster Care Management: Mini-Conferences to Promote the Concept of Permanency Planning—In 1980, with funding from the federal Office of Human Development Services, WRI provided training materials and designed and conducted a series of mini-conferences throughout New York State. The conferences were focused on the fiscal, legislative, and judicial changes needed to implement a statewide policy of permanency planning for foster care children. Attendees at the conferences included public and private agency caseworkers, supervisors, and administrators. Principal speakers included commissioners and directors of federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as heads of child welfare agencies.
Foster Care Team Manual for Allegany County—To assist Allegany County with its foster care program, in 2005 WRI completed a manual for use by caseworkers, supervisors, and foster parents. The manual covers all aspects of foster care from initial placement to discharge. The manual was funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Foster Care Manual for St. Christopher-Ottilie—In 2000, WRI completed work on a foster care manual for caseworkers and supervisors at St. Christopher-Ottilie Services for Children and Families (now SCO Family of Services). WRI staff worked with the agency to develop, write, and design the manual, which addresses key casework activities such as placement in foster care, early assessment and intervention, casework contacts and ongoing assessment, planning for permanency, linking families with services, homefinding, foster parent recruitment and training, and working with children and youth in foster care.
Foster Care Team Manual for Niagara County—To assist Niagara County with its foster care program, in 1999 WRI completed a manual for use by caseworkers, supervisors, and foster parents. WRI worked closely with foster care staff and foster parents to develop content, including addressing the concerns of all parties involved with foster care placement, and to standardize procedures across offices. This project was funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Freeing Children for Adoption—In 1978, WRI and the New York State Temporary Commission on Child Welfare cooperated to produce a manual, training materials, and a training program for foster care and adoption caseworkers throughout New York State. The materials and program were intended to increase the effectiveness of caseworkers in working with attorneys, judges, families, and children regarding the legal process of freeing children for adoption.
Guidebook for the Assessment and Treatment of Adolescent Sexual Abusers—In 1998, WRI developed this comprehensive document on assessment and treatment services for adolescent and pre-adolescent sexual abusers in New York State. At the request of the Office of Children and Family Services, WRI conducted research in the field and surveyed 85 providers throughout the state on service modalities, age of clients treated, type of programs offered, geographic regions served, and related topics. The document includes a comprehensive bibliography and lists of relevant state and national organizations. A companion document provides a directory of the 85 providers and grids displaying their services in a convenient format.
Handbook for Parents: Cattaraugus County – In 2008, WRI edited and designed a handbook for parents whose children have been placed in foster care. The purpose of the handbook is to inform parents of their rights and responsibilities, their role in Service Plan Reviews, and to provide guidance on how they can regain custody. The handbook includes forms for parents’ use in keeping track of visits and services and identifying relatives who may be resources for their family.
Handbook for Parents: Monroe County—In 1994, WRI edited and designed this handbook addressed to parents whose children are in foster care. Developed by the Monroe County Department of Social Services, the publication is two handbooks in one: the first on foster care itself—what it is, working with the foster parents and caseworkers, visits with the child in care, and preparing for the child’s return home—and the second on the Family Court—why foster care involves the court, types of hearings, court orders, and the parent’s legal rights.
Handbook for Parents: Tompkins County—This handbook, When Your Child is in Foster Care, was written for parents whose children are about to be or have been placed in foster care. The handbook describes different types of placement, explains how children are placed in foster care, and provides information on the rights and responsibilities of parents. With funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, WRI edited, designed, and printed this handbook for Tompkins County Department of Social Services in 2001.
Handbook for Relatives and Friends: Tompkins County—In 1999, WRI edited and designed a handbook for relatives and friends considering providing a home for children needing to be placed outside their own home. The handbook, which contains information on the options available to relatives and friends, was funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for use by Tompkins County staff.
Handbook for Youth in Foster Care—With input from teens in foster care, WRI wrote and designed this handbook for youth ages 14–21 coming into care and already in care in New York State. It gives information on youth rights and responsibilities, legal issues, health, sexual issues, school, work, money, and day-to-day life in foster care. The handbook was funded by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Available in Spanish, the handbook was first printed in 2004 and updated in 2007.
Handbook for Youth in Foster Care: Madison and Oneida Counties—In 1997, WRI assisted the Madison County Department of Social Services in the development and production of a handbook for youth from age 11 who are in or about to be placed in foster care. The handbook, was developed with the help of the teens themselves, presents topics on the first day in foster care, how people become foster parents, what happens in court, visiting the birth family, having friends over, smoking, the use of alcohol and drugs, driving, dating, spending money, and similar subjects of interest to teens. A similar handbook was adapted for Oneida County in November 2000. The handbooks were funded by the New York State Department of Social Services.
Having a Voice & a Choice: New York State Handbook for Relatives Raising Children––WRI wrote and designed this handbook 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. The handbook provides information on legal arrangements, financial support and other benefits, health care and health insurance, and issues related to school and education. This was a joint project of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The handbook was first printed in 2008.
Health Care Coordination for Children in Foster Care – In 2008, WRI was asked to write a white paper on health care coordination for children in foster care. The purpose of the white paper is to outline the lessons learned through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ pilot project and to distribute information about viable models for care coordination in NYS foster care settings. The paper is included in an Information Letter (INF) to commissioners and executive directors of agencies around the state.
Health Services Manual for Children in Foster Care — Targeted to health care and child welfare staff in agencies across the state, Working Together: Health Services for Children in Foster Care provides comprehensive information on health assessments, preventive health care, health care coordination, medication, consent, confidentiality, health care providers, recordkeeping, and payment issues. The manual is based on standards of health care developed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and New York State Department of Health; it also draws on guidelines and materials from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Child Welfare League of America. WRI provided development, editorial, and design support for the first edition printed in 2004 and for the 2009 edition.
Homemaker Services to Prevent Foster Care—Child welfare researchers and administrators agree that families with children at risk of foster care often need concrete services, in addition to financial assistance and counseling, in order to keep their families together. In 1984, WRI received a grant from the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation to assess the need for homemaker services in New York City, including the utility and availability of such services for at-risk families, and to recommend steps to improve the delivery and effectiveness of such services.
HomeRebuilders Training Conference Materials—Through a contract with the New York State Department of Social Services, WRI provided technical assistance to the HomeRebuilders demonstration project. Six voluntary child caring agencies participated in HomeRebuilders along with the New York City Child Welfare Administration, and the State Department of Social Services. The focus was on consistent, comprehensive family services from foster care placement through aftercare to return children home safely and permanently. In 1994, WRI edited, designed, and produced all materials for a training conference including a program brochure, agenda and presenter materials, signs, and name tags.
ICPC Desk Aid—WRI edited and designed this desk aid for caseworkers on the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) placement request procedures. The desk aid lists the procedures required to make a request for placement of a child out-of-state or for the return of the child to his or her parents under trial discharge. Requested by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the desk aid is laminated and in color. Originally printed in 2005, the desk aid was updated in 2007 and 2008.
Indian Child Welfare Act DVD Program Guide—WRI edited and designed this program guide, written to accompany the training DVD, The Indian Child Welfare Act: What Caseworkers Need to Know. The DVD and guide are designed to help supervisors efficiently communicate their expectations and provide their caseworkers with feedback so they can identify Native American children and comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and New York State notification requirements. The project was funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services in 2006.
Institutional Abuse Manual—In 1996, WRI developed a manual of policies and procedures for New York State Department of Social Services investigators of alleged abuse and maltreatment of children in residential care. The goals of the manual are to help achieve greater statewide consistency in the investigative process, including the determination of cases; to help reduce the number of cases overturned in the expungement process; and to improve the rate of success in fair hearings. The ultimate goals are to improve the care and treatment of children in residential care and to improve safety in the facilities.
Integrated County Planning (ICP) Demonstration Project—WRI assisted the New York State Office of Children and Family Services with its efforts to establish an inclusive, integrated county-level planning process focused on improving outcomes for all children, youth, and families. Working with an interagency team, WRI surveyed counties and ten state agencies that address the needs of children and families to obtain information on their planning process and requirements. The final report describing survey results was written by WRI and used in a Planners Forum convened in October 2001 to work toward an integrated planning process.
Intensive Home-Based Services Project—WRI coordinated the efforts of a public-private coalition to implement a model preventive services program in New York City. A new branch of Homebuilders, an innovative program developed in Seattle, Washington, the model program features intensive casework provided in times of crisis. Caseworkers make frequent visits to client families in their homes and use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help family members recognize their problems, make decisions, and resolve conflicts. In 1989, WRI directed efforts to replicate the model throughout New York City. This project involved the cooperation of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, the New York State Department of Social Services, four New York City agencies, and Bank Street College, as well as WRI.
Managed Care in Child Welfare Services—In 1999, WRI conducted research into issues and practices related to managed care approaches in child welfare services. At the request of the Office of Children and Family Services, WRI explored the effectiveness of managed care approaches within New York State and, where relevant, in other states. Research included the effect of the new welfare reform legislation on programs, practices, and financing of services.
Management Alternatives in Child Abuse and Neglect—In 1988, WRI conducted a review of child protective services in Albany County with particular emphasis on issues related to the recruitment, development, and retention of protective workers. The study concluded by making practical recommendations to improve personnel/management within the unit.
Mid-Hudson Regional Legal Conference—The conference, “Working for Permanency: The Family Court and the Department of Social Services,” brought together Family Court judges, law guardians, and social services professionals from the seven districts of the Mid-Hudson region in order to better implement permanency planning for children under the goals of New York State’s Child Welfare Reform Act. WRI assisted in coordinating the event which took place in April 1988 at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. WRI also produced a summary of the conference proceedings.
Model Budgets for Child Care Agencies—Under a subcontract to Arthur Young and Company, in 1982 WRI assisted the New York State Division of the Budget in developing and implementing methodologies to control state and local expenditures for human services. Specifically, this project was intended to help the Department of Social Services and the State Education Department, respectively, to establish rates and levels of reimbursement for foster care institutions and schools for the handicapped. The budget guidelines that WRI developed were related to (1) children’s need for, and the nature of, services provided and (2) the requirements of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142), the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (PL 96-272), and New York State’s Child Welfare Reform Act of 1979.
Model State Adoption Payment System Program—With funding from HEW and the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation in 1976, WRI developed a unique system for determining the cost of each major step along the continuum of adoption, from identifying a child for whom adoption is appropriate to providing supportive services to the adoptive family for up to a year following finalization. By enabling adoption agencies to report precise information on the services, and costs, required for a successful adoption, the Model State Adoption Payment System (MAPS) made it easier for agencies to obtain adequate reimbursement for those costs. The MAPS system was pilot-tested in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Minnesota, and New York. Regional conferences/workshops were held in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.
National Study of Independent Living—WRI and the Legal Action Center for the Homeless, with the cooperation of the Metropolitan Studies Program of New York University, conducted this national study to fill an information gap on the role of government and public child welfare agencies when children are discharged to independent living. Project staff surveyed state laws, policies, and programs for youth after they leave foster care and identified states that have neglected this population. Two surveys were used: The first was a legal survey of the children’s services and juvenile justice codes of the 50 states and the District of Columbia that were operative in 1988. The second was a survey of the public child welfare agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia conducted during the first half of 1988. The project was supported by a grant from the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation.
New York City Foster Parent’s Guide to Adoption—WRI edited and designed this guide for foster parents in New York City who wish to adopt the children in their care. The guide explains the adoption process, including agency approval, adoption subsidy, and legal issues. It provides tips and encouragement and also lists agencies that provide post-adoption services. The guide was originally published in 1995 and has been updated four times; the most recent edition is dated January 2007. Available in Spanish, the guide is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
New York State Foster Parent’s Guide to Adoption—WRI edited and designed this guide for foster parents statewide who wish to adopt the children in their care. The guide explains the adoption process, including agency approval, adoption subsidy, and legal issues. It provides tips and encouragement and also provides resources for more information. Originally published in 2002, the guide was updated in January 2007. Available in Spanish, the guide is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
New York State Foster Parent Manual—WRI wrote and designed this manual for foster parents throughout New York State. The manual presents useful information reflecting current policy, regulations, and practices in foster care. It includes guidance on issues like discipline, health care, working as a team with birth parents and caseworkers, and day-to-day life with foster children. The manual was originally published in 2002 and updated in 2003; the most recent edition is dated January 2007. Available in Spanish, the manual is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
New York State Study of Children in Foster Care—In 1977, to provide New York State program planners with a comprehensive view of the statewide foster care system, WRI supplemented a previously completed New York City study with research on upstate children in foster care. Among project findings were the facts that the mean length of time in foster care was between 4.5 and 5.5 years; that about seven percent of the children in foster care could have remained at home if supportive services had been provided; and that between 26 and 38 percent of the children should have been placed in adoptive homes.
Overview: OCFS Bureau of Training—In 2007, WRI edited and designed this 25-page booklet describing the training programs and initiatives of the Bureau of Training in the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Permanency Planning Guide—WRI assisted the New York City Administration for Children’s Services in developing a guide to permanency planning. The guide included an overview of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, an explanation of concurrent planning, and casework tools for assessing progress, making diligent efforts, and other aspects of working with families for permanency.
Planning for Children to Effect Permanence—To improve the capability of its Children’s Services unit to implement a positive, permanent plan for each child entrusted to its care, the Erie County Department of Social Services contracted with WRI to initiate a foster care review procedure for designing service plans for each child in foster care. The 1979 project also established a case-monitoring process for reviewing the service plans of each child in foster care on a continuing basis.
Preventive Trends Newsletter—WRI wrote, designed, and printed Preventive Trends, the child welfare newsletter of the New York State Department of Social Services, for seven years. The newsletter covered developments in child abuse and neglect, foster care and adoption, and domestic violence. It was published quarterly until August 1993, with approximately 4,000 copies of each issue distributed statewide.
Proposal Development for the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs—WRI is currently assisting the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (PRACA) with identification of potential funding sources to support research, policy analysis, and community development and with development of fundraising proposals. This project was funded by the Hispanic Federation. CHECK
Proposals to Provide Child Welfare Services in the Bronx—In 1998, WRI assisted the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (PRACA) in submitting two extensive proposals to the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to provide preventive and foster care services in the Bronx. Based on the Family to Family concept, with stress placed on the clustering of services as a way of supporting families in their community and preventing long-term foster care, the ACS RFP required agencies to present their plans for fulfilling the model within the Bronx. WRI provided development, editorial, and production assistance. CHECK
Public Awareness Program on Child Abuse and Neglect—In cooperation with the New York State Department of Social Services, in 1979 WRI developed an intensive public awareness program throughout New York State that incorporated public education materials produced by the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (posters, newspaper/magazine advertisements, television/radio spots) into a locally based statewide information effort. WRI also monitored and assessed the program’s effectiveness with an eye to replication in other states.
Quality Enhancement Fund—WRI provided administrative support to the Quality Enhancement Fund for two years, from 2005 to 2007. This fund supported efforts at the county level to address issues identified in the federal Child and Family Services Review Program Improvement Plan. For example, local districts and agencies were encouraged to enhance their Family Meeting process––a child-centered, family-focused child welfare practice––as a way to achieve better outcomes for children and families.
Research Study in Adoption Manpower—This 1976 project was developed to gather data from all New York State adoption agencies regarding the statewide work force in adoption services. In cooperation with the New York State Department of Social Services, the New York State Board of Social Welfare, and the State’s Temporary Commission on Child Welfare, WRI sought information about potential barriers to adoption and effective service delivery.
Residential Care in New York State 2006 and Beyond––WRI was asked to write this white paper to spark dialogue on the concepts, ideals, and direction of residential treatment in New York State. The paper was directed at stakeholders that provide residential treatment to youth in foster care and those that purchase residential treatment services. Topics include a profile of youth entering residential care, the need for services, current approaches to treatment, and options when youth leave residential care.
SAFE Team Brochure—In 2001, WRI edited and designed a brochure on the SAFE Team for Chautauqua County Department of Social Services. The SAFE (Strong Alliances for Family Empowerment) Team is a group of CPS workers who are assigned to a family in a child protective case. WRI also provided digital files so that the county can update and print the brochure as needed.
Safety Factors Pocket Guide—In 2008, WRI designed a pocket guide listing safety factors for a child and family. The pocket guide was designed as a convenient, portable tool for caseworkers assessing the safety of children in their homes. WRI arranged for printing and distribution to all child welfare staff (district, contract foster care agency, and congregate care agency staff) in New York State.
Sarah and Roy’s Activity Book—Sarah and Roy’s Activity Book About Their Journey to a Foster Home is an interactive coloring/activity storybook about two young children on their way to a foster home. Designed to be used by caseworkers, therapists, and others involved with children at the time of placement, the book covers all aspects of leaving the birth home and adjusting to foster care. The goal is to help minimize the trauma of foster care placement. The packet also includes an activity book entitled My Own Story which is designed for children who have been placed in foster care to use with adult supervision. The goal of this book is to help children clarify and document their own experiences. WRI edited, designed, and printed the materials, developed for the Onondaga County Department of Social Services in 1994.
Services for Adolescent Girls Discharged from New York City Foster Care—Recidivism in foster care has focused attention on the need for more than casual follow-up on children who are discharged from foster care. In 1988, in cooperation with New York City’s Special Services for Children, WRI examined issues related to discharge planning and service provision for adolescent girls who return to their birth families from foster care. The project was funded by the Foundation for Child Development, the New York Community Trust, and Morgan Guaranty Trust.
Sibling Placement White Paper—In 2007, WRI wrote a white paper addressing the issues of sibling placement and visits in foster care and adoption. Issued in June 2007 as a practice guidance paper by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, it emphasizes the importance of the sibling bond to children’s development and emotional well-being. The paper examines the research on the issues, describes other states’ policies, and presents recommendations for practice. The voices of youth in foster care are heard throughout the paper; participating Youth in Progress, the state’s Foster Care Youth Leadership Team, provided information about their experiences with sibling placement and visits.
Special Delivery Newsletter—WRI edited, designed, and produced this quarterly newsletter for foster and adoptive families and children and the programs that serve them throughout New York State. Developed for the New York State Department of Social Services during 1994, Special Delivery served as a vehicle for children and parents to tell their unique stories; a focus on waiting children, in particular, provided an opportunity to make their availability known. The newsletter also gave information about current developments in child welfare.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Guidance Paper––In 2008, WRI was asked to write a paper as part of an Administrative Directive (ADM) on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The purpose of the ADM is to provide guidance to local departments of social services and child welfare agencies in New York State on identifying and assisting youth to obtain the status. SIJS enables immigrant youth in foster care to become lawful permanent residents and obtain a green card.
Supervision Initiative—As part of the Program Improvement Plan submitted by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services to the federal government, WRI wrote meeting minutes and a final report with recommendations on casework supervision. During 2004, a statewide workgroup of managers from local departments of social services examined the current state of supervision (including underlying conditions that affect performance) and developed a set of recommendations to improve supervision and, ultimately, outcomes for children and families. The report is entitled “Achieving Child Welfare Outcomes Through Enhanced Supervision.”
Supervisor’s Guide to Assessing Practice—In 2005, WRI edited and designed this guide to help supervisors assess a caseworker’s practice in four domains: the caseworker relationship, assessment, change, and safety throughout the life of the case. The guide includes protocols for a basic and an enhanced practice assessment as well as an observations and feedback tool. The guide was developed for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Symposium on Child Welfare Reform—Eight years after passage of the New York State Child Welfare Reform Act, many leaders in the field felt a need to re-examine the state’s child welfare system. In September 1987, with funding from the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, WRI planned and coordinated a three-day symposium on child welfare reform for selected legislators, policy makers, state and municipal agency administrators, Family Court judges, voluntary agency directors, and advocates. At the symposium’s conclusion, the participants issued recommendations in such areas as the adequacy of services, strategies for dealing with staff turnover, the recruitment of foster parents, the role of Family Court, and voluntary agencies accountability.
Technical Assistance to Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs—In 2000, WRI assisted the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (PRACA) in New York City by documenting National Planning Committee meetings for a proposed Institute for Applied Research and assisting in proposal development. This project was funded by the Ford Foundation.
Voluntary Agency Licensing Manual––In 2008, WRI edited, designed, and printed the statewide Voluntary Agency Licensing Manual for agencies providing residential care programs for children in New York State. All such agencies must be incorporated and are subject to New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) supervision, inspection, and regulation. It is the purpose of the manual to clearly set forth the statutory and regulatory requirements and to establish a consistent, uniform administrative procedure for processing OCFS approvals of certificates of incorporation and OCFS issuance of operating certificates.