RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Listed here are WRI publications dating from 2006 to the present. Many are currently in use. For previous publications, see Past Publications.
Where available, links are provided for downloading as .pdf files, which require the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. Click here to download the free Adobe Reader from Adobe's website. For publications without links, contact the WRI Office at 518–432–2563.
GUIDES, HANDBOOKS, AND MANUALS
Working Together: Health Services for Children in Foster Care
Targeted to health care and child welfare staff in agencies across the state, this manual 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 NYS Office of Children and Family Services and NYS 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. March 2009
Having a Voice & a Choice:
Handbook for Relatives Raising Children
WRI wrote and designed this handbook for relatives and friends caring for children who need a safe and stable home. The handbook includes information on legal arrangements, financial support and other benefits, health care and health insurance, and issues related to school and education. A joint project of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. December 2008. Available in Spanish, Con Voz y Voto: Manual para Parientes Criando a Niňos.
Voluntary Agency Licensing Manual
WRI edited and designed this statewide manual for agencies providing residential care programs for children in New York State. All such agencies must be incorporated and are subject to state supervision, inspection, and regulation by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The manual sets forth the statutory and regulatory requirements and presents the administrative procedures for processing of approvals of certificates of incorporation and issuance of operating certificates. December 2008
The Adoption Album 2008: Our Children, Our Families
This online training manual for caseworkers gives agencies tools to manage the adoption process. The browser-based application for The Adoption Album was developed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. WRI edited and designed the training manual. October 2008
Cattaraugus County Handbook
A Guide for Parents to Help Them Regain Custody of Children Placed in Foster Care was edited and designed by WRI for the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services. The purpose of the guide 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. Included are forms for parents’ use in keeping track of visits and services and a form for identifying relatives who may be resources for their family. October 2008
Options HIV Intervention Manuals
In 2007, WRI provided editorial and design assistance to the Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention (CHIP) of the University of Connecticut. The goal of the project was to edit and design materials to train health care providers in Options, an HIV risk reduction intervention delivered by providers for patients living with HIV. Materials included a Risk Reduction Strategies manual, Implementation manual, Protocol manual, and appendices, patient handouts, and a brochure. In 2008, CHIP asked WRI to edit and design two manuals for trainers of the Options intervention. These manuals include a number of PowerPoint slides. June 2008
Bridges to Health Program Manual
The Bridges to Health (B2H) Program is designed to provide community-based health care services and supports to children in foster care. These services are provided through waivers granted by the federal government to the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for children with serious emotional disturbances and/or developmental disabilities, and medically fragile children. WRI edited the manual, which provides comprehensive information on the program and how it works. This project was funded by Parsons Child and Family Center. August 2007
What to Expect from an Adoption Attorney
WRI edited and designed this guide for prospective adoptive parents in New York State for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The pamphlet gives information to prospective adoptive parents on hiring and working with an adoption attorney. May 2007
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 provide caseworkers with guidelines and information so they can identify Native American children and comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and New York State notification requirements. January 2007
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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. January 2007. Available in Spanish, Manual para los Jóvenes en el Sistema de Cuidado de Crianza.
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New York City Foster Parent’s Guide to Adoption
This guide is for foster parents in New York City who wish to adopt the children in their care. It explains the adoption process, including agency approval, adoption subsidy, and legal issues. Also included are practical tips and a list of agencies that provide post-adoption services. WRI edited and designed the guide for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. January 2007. Available in Spanish, Guía de Adopción de la Ciudad de Nueva York para Padres de Crianza.
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New York State Foster Parent’s Guide to Adoption
This guide for foster parents statewide who wish to adopt the children in their care. It explains the adoption process, including agency approval, adoption subsidy, and legal issues. Also included are practical tips and resources for more information. WRI edited and designed the guide for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. January 2007. Available in Spanish, Guía de Adopción del Estado de Nueva York para Padres de Crianza.
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New York State Foster Parent Manual
WRI wrote and designed this manual for foster parents statewide for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. The manual presents useful information reflecting current policy, regulations, and practices in foster care. It includes guidance on day-to-day life with foster children, payments, training for foster parents, health care, school issues, working as a team with parents and caseworkers, and legal status.
January 2007. Available in Spanish, Manual para los Padres de Crianza del Estado de Nueva York.
Health Care Coordination for Children in Foster Care
This white paper outlines the lessons learned through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ pilot project and distributes 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. October 2008
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Guidance Paper
WRI was asked to write a guidance paper on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Issued as an Administrative Directive (ADM), the purpose 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. August 2008
WRI wrote this white paper addressing the issues of sibling placement and visits in foster care and adoption. Issued as a practice guidance paper by the NYS 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. June 2007
Residential Care in New York State 2006 and Beyond
WRI wrote this white paper, which was directed at stakeholders providing residential treatment to youth in foster care and those purchasing residential treatment services. The paper includes a profile of youth entering residential care and sections on the need for services, current approaches to treatment, and options when youth leave residential care. The paper is part of an Information Letter (INF) to commissioners and executive directors of agencies around the state. December 2006
Literature Search for Directors of Services Forum
WRI conducted research into 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. Articles were distributed at a conference for directors of services at the White Eagle Conference Center in Hamilton, NY. November 2006
Directory of Community-Based Family and Child Caring Agencies and Local Directors of Services in New York State
WRI regularly updates this directory, which lists contact information for agencies and local departments of social services in New York State. 2009
Public Awareness Campaign for Foster/Adoptive Parent Recruitment
To further a campaign to recruit foster and adoptive parents across New York State, in 2002 WRI wrote and designed a poster and 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 still in use and are available in Spanish. 2009
Safety Factors Pocket Guide
WRI designed this small laminated pocket guide listing safety factors for children and families. The pocket guide is a convenient, portable tool for caseworkers to use when assessing the safety of children in their homes. WRI arranged for printing and distribution to child welfare staff by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. October 2008
Challenges & Solutions Newsletter
This electronic newsletter informs the public and child welfare stakeholders about current initiatives that promote permanency for children. WRI writes and edits articles and designs the newsletter for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Spring 2008
ICPC Desk Aid
This desk aid for caseworkers on the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) placement request procedures was designed by WRI. The desk aid lists the procedures required to make a request for placement of a child out-of-state or for the return of a child to his or her parents. Developed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the desk aid is laminated and in color. May 2008
BTO Overview: OCFS Bureau of Training
WRI edited and designed this 25-page booklet describing the training programs and initiatives of the Bureau of Training in the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. May 2007
Adoption Case Processing Timelines Chart
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 permanency goal. Developed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the chart emphasizes early steps to expedite permanency. April 2006