A.1239/S3248

Legal Custodians Have Statutory Authority to Make Medical Decisions for Minors

This bill amends the Family Court Act Section 657(c) to include non-parents with lawful orders of custody as persons who may make medical decisions for minors in their care, and amends Public Health Law Section 2504 to include non-parents with lawful orders of custody along with parents and guardians as persons whose consent is not needed for the provision of medical, dental, health and hospital services when in the judgement of a physician emergency medical care is needed.

Effective immediately.

A.8059/S6405

Kin May Petition to Become Foster Parents for Children in Non-Kin Foster Care

Provides that upon the application of a relative to become a foster parent of a child in foster care, the court shall hold a hearing to determine whether the child should be placed with a relative in foster care only if the person is related to the child as described under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of subdivision three of section four hundred fifty-eight-a of the social services law and if other circumstances are present.

Effective immediately.

A.569/S.2714

Requires local social services districts to provide information about custodial options, benefits, and kinship services.

Provides that when a local social services district is in contact with a relative or non-relative kinship caregiver or a suitable person who the district has approached about being a kinship caregiver, such district shall provide written information to such caregivers or prospective suitable persons; further provides that such information shall include, but not be limited to, information relating to child only grants; information about how to become a kinship foster parent and other options for care; and information on how to contact the department of family assistance kinship programs and any resources funded through or operating in the local social services district for relative and non-relative kinship caregivers, including those that provide supportive services for all relative and non-relative kinship caregivers in the district.

Effective late December 2019.

For bill text, go to https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=A00569&term=2019.

Legal Fact Sheets will be forthcoming soon.

5 tips for coping with drug abusing child:

https://drugabuse.com/library/parents-of-addicted-children/

For Mothers of adult addicts:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201410/7-tips-mothers-adult-addicts

Effects on children of drug addicted adults:

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/guide-for-children

Find treatment facilities in NY:

https://findaddictiontreatment.ny.gov/

Oasas fact sheet

https://www.oasas.ny.gov/publications/pdf/addiction%20services%20ptr.pdf

SHAMSA tips for talking to child after traumatic event:

https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA12-4732/SMA12-4732.pdf

Video training series: Supporting kinship caregivers

As the number of kinship caregivers increases for children in foster care and more child welfare jurisdictions adopt a “kin first” placement practice, the need to provide specialized support for relatives is becoming even more crucial. These relatives are doing what families have always done — caring for their own. However, with the added complexity of child welfare system involvement, financial stress and multigenerational loyalty binds, these families deserve assistance from professionals trained to meet their unique needs.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s recently released a five-part video training series, “Engaging Kinship Caregivers: Managing Risk Factors in Kinship Care” — featuring internationally respected kinship care expert, Dr. Joseph Crumbley — to strengthen the skills of child welfare professionals in supporting families to improve outcomes for children. The video training series includes a discussion guide to help program directors, supervisors and trainers lead group sessions to deepen the learning experience.

http://www.aecf.org/blog/engaging-kinship-caregivers-with-joseph-crumbley/

The video training series explores these areas:

Module 1: Guilt

This module explores how to manage the understandable feelings of guilt that relative caregivers may experience as a result of changing family dynamics.

Module 2: Loss and ambivalence

This module explores how kinship care creates interruptions of the caregiver’s plans, priorities, space and privacy and how these can contribute to feelings of loss and ambivalence for the relative caregiver. It is critical to understand how these feelings can present risk factors for the child if they aren’t addressed.

Module 3: Projections and transference

This module explores projection and transference, which are psychological terms about unconscious processes where we redirect our emotions from one person to another. They are frequently observed — especially in families — and are not inherently bad. But, they can become a risk factor in kinship care when negative feelings about the birth parent lead to “re-creating the monster” and become a “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Module 4: Hope, fantasy and denial

This module explores how one person’s hope can be another person’s denial. Understanding how important hope is for family members is critical to empathetically working with them to maintain these hopes and to make other plans — for the sake of the child in their care.

Module 5: Loyalty issues

This module explores a universal truth: Loyalty runs deep in families. Shared blood, history, memories and interdependence hold us together as families.

Dr. Joseph Crumbley is an internationally renowned expert in kinship care known for his engaging, highly interactive trainings. He has provided training in China, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and all over the United States, including his hometown of Philadelphia. He has provided expert testimony on kinship care to the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and the United Nations. Crumbley co-authored “Relatives Raising Children: An Overview of Kinship Care” and wrote “Transracial Adoptions and Foster Care.”

About the Film: 

The Face of Kinship Care portrays the compelling and inspiring stories of three kinship families and the love and devotion they show to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each grandparent caregiver works every day, around the clock, with little recognition and support, to succeed at one of the most difficult yet most important jobs in the world: parenting. Universal yet so very remarkable, the unnoticed work of these everyday heroes is finally given the spotlight it deserves.

In a rare moment of recognition and validation, kinship caregivers see their story represented on screen. The film is a critical tool to help inspire, educate and energize human services agencies, caregivers, and policy makers.

Film Poster

Film Facebook Page

Film Youtube Channel

The Face of Kinship Care in the News

Film Trailer:

Audience Reception:

The documentary premiered at the Child Welfare League of America’s national conference in Washington D. C. on March 29, 2017, where it received a standing ovation from the audience. Due to requests after the premiere, the film has also screened at several other events.

“This heartwarming film says it all, what a precious resource grandparents and kin care for their kin children they choose to raise. There is a place in heaven for them.” Donna Pressman, President, The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey

“The film should be ‘required’ for CPS and Social Service agencies.”

“We are kinship caregivers.  The film was showing what it is really like. But it’s not a choice really.  Good film.”

“The film was very open.  I cried and thought of my situation.  Thank you.”

 Kinship caregivers of Orange County, NY

Who’s behind the Film?

Filmmakers Julie Winter Magruder and Jackson DuMont teamed up with the CWLA and the NYS Kinship Navigator to produce this work, with the hope to enact social and political change for kinship care in America. Kinship Navigator’s director Gerard Wallace assisted with production and commentary.

Far too many caregivers and children, like the ones highlighted in this documentary, are not being supported. By exposing the realities of their situations and the work they do everyday, the film has already made an impact – and we hope will continue to do so – by stimulating discussion about policy changes and redefining society’s understanding of and perspective on private kinship care.

How Can I get the Film?

The Fifth National GrandRally is fast approaching! This event, held in Washington DC on May 10, 2017, is an opportunity for grandparents, relative caregivers, and kinship advocates to come together to recognize the importance of kinship care in our country.  It is also an excellent opportunity for people to meet with legislators to educate on kinship care and the importance of services nationwide.

Here at the NYS Navigator, we are pleased to be part of the state leader’s team, with our Director, Jerry Wallace, as the point person for NYS.  We are working with key members of the NYS Kincare Coalition in order to involve as many people as possible in this event.  How can you participate?  Read on!

If you would like to attend the GrandRally, please email our Kinship Specialist Pam Rockcastle at prockcastle@cfcrochester.org.  She will be compiling the master list of attendees for all of the events happening on May 10.  There are several options:

Option One: Go to GrandRally in D. C.

• If you would like to attend the GrandRally in person, and are able to travel to NYC, there will be a bus that Marya Gilborn from The Family Center is organizing.  KN will be happy to put you and/or your agency in touch with Marya.  Please note that there will be a cost to take the bus, though we are working to make that minimal. Grandrally flyer
• If you are travelling from outside of NYC, please let us know! We have no formal bus arrangement outside of the city, but are happy to connect people to each other to carpool.
• If you plan to attend the GrandRally in person, please be advised that you must register on their website at grandrally2017.org. Have questions?  Call us at 1-877-454-6463!

Option Two: Attend Meetings in Albany

• If you would like to organize or participate in legislative meetings in Albany, please let us know. We would be happy to help arrange visits to offices of state and congressional legislators.

Option Three: Attend a Virtual GrandRally from your community

• If you would like to participate in the virtual GrandRally, there are several options – participating in National Call In Day (TBD – calling your local members of congress to express support for kinship care), scheduling local visits to district offices, and holding local celebrations to recognize caregivers. Rae Glaser, our Program Manager, will distribute more information on National Call in Day as it becomes available.

The Fifth National GrandRally is fast approaching! This event, held in Washington DC on May 10, 2017, is an opportunity for grandparents, relative caregivers, and kinship advocates to come together to recognize the importance of kinship care in our country.  It is also an excellent opportunity for people to meet with legislators to educate on kinship care and the importance of services nationwide.

Here at the NYS Navigator, we are pleased to be part of the state leader’s team, with our Director, Jerry Wallace, as the point person for NYS.  We are working with key members of the NYS Kincare Coalition in order to involve as many people as possible in this event.  How can you participate?  Read on!

If you would like to attend the GrandRally, please email our Kinship Specialist Pam Rockcastle at prockcastle@cfcrochester.org.  She will be compiling the master list of attendees for all of the events happening on May 10.  There are several options:

Option One: Go to GrandRally in D. C.

• If you would like to attend the GrandRally in person, and are able to travel to NYC, there will be a bus that Marya Gilborn from The Family Center is organizing.  KN will be happy to put you and/or your agency in touch with Marya.  Please note that there will be a cost to take the bus, though we are working to make that minimal.
• If you are travelling from outside of NYC, please let us know! We have no formal bus arrangement outside of the city, but are happy to connect people to each other to carpool.
• If you plan to attend the GrandRally in person, please be advised that you must register on their website at grandrally2017.org. Have questions?  Call us at 1-877-454-6463!

Option Two: Attend Meetings in Albany

• If you would like to organize or participate in legislative meetings in Albany, please let us know. We would be happy to help arrange visits to offices of state and congressional legislators.

Option Three: Attend a Virtual GrandRally from your community

• If you would like to participate in the virtual GrandRally, there are several options – participating in National Call In Day (TBD – calling your local members of congress to express support for kinship care), scheduling local visits to district offices, and holding local celebrations to recognize caregivers. Rae Glaser, our Program Manager, will distribute more information on National Call in Day as it becomes available.

On February 28th, over 25 service providers and caregivers visited the legislative office building in Albany, NY to  to discuss kinship issues in New York State with the legislature, and a  to recognize the indispensable work of caregivers and professionals for the children in care.

Collectively, the group met with over fifteen senators and assembly members, speaking out about the services that the NYS Kinship Navigator and local kinship programs provide.  The reception was overwhelmingly positive.  The Governer’s final budget will be released in early April, and it looks promising for kinship care!  In fiscal year (FY) 2017-18, we asked that he maintain funding for the 22 Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) kinship programs, and to add in extra dollars for the NYS Kinship Navigator, in order to further the work KN has done in rural counties.

The Assembly met in the afternoon and passed the resolution declaring September as Kinship Care Month in New York State – and the Senate followed suit, with Senator Golden recognizing kinship care as a whole, and also giving accolades to specific caregivers and kinship care staff.

Official pictures were taken in the Senate chambers, and post session, remaining members of our group met to celebrate our success!  Pictured above – Front left to right – caregiver, Carolyn Fluckinger (FSSY -Westchester County), Back left to right – Ryan Johnson (KN), Rae Glaser (KN), Jerry Wallace (KN) and Deb Faulks (FEN – Broome County).

A big thank you to all that attended for your time and effort – we are excited and energized by the amazing turnout and reception at the Capitol!

As we ease into February, working caregivers will note that their W-2’s are arriving, and those that pay for childcare for the children in their care are seeing statements from daycare.  It’s tax time.  Here at the NYS Navigator, we provide information on the most common Child Tax Credits taken by caregivers – both federally and in New York State.  Please visit our legal fact sheet tax information page for information on these money saving credits, as well as a link to how to find Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites near you.  We at the NYS Navigator are happy to pass in new information as we receive it, however, keep in mind that all tax related questions should be run by your accountant for a final answer as we are not tax experts.

As 2017 progresses, KN looks forward to expanding its services and reaching out to more families in need.  Our staff met in Syracuse, NY last week to review our 2017 plan – we are excited to roll out several new ideas, including a quarterly newsletter, new conferences, partnerships, and website features.  If you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter, please make sure to provide your email address when you call our help line, or email us at navigator@nysnavigator.org with subject line “Newsletter”.

One of our new features for 2017 is well underway – you will notice on our website’s lower right hand corner a new pop up “chat” button!  This is another way to connect with one of our specialists from 10-4 on week days – via live chat.  Feel free to ask us any questions about kinship care, resources, fact sheets, or questions about where to find something on our site – we are happy to assist and can even send files via direct chat!  As always, we welcome emails and calls to our help line directly.

Stay tuned for more developments as KN strives to provide the best services possible to caregivers and professionals in NYS!

Happy New Year from the NYS Kinship Navigator!  We are excited to continue serving our hardworking caregivers in NYS – at last estimate, over 200,000 kinship families are currently residents of NYS.  In 2017, we look forward to providing you with the same services you have come to rely on – access to a kinship specialist via phone Monday-Friday, an expanding web site with more resources – both locally and in terms of educational fact sheets, and other ways to access our program – via video primers, live chat feature, forums, and of course, email access.

We also look forward to expanding our educational outreach – our regional navigators are ready to present to your teams and co-workers on what KN can offer, and look forward to assisting you in engaging kinship families on your caseload.  Call us at 877-454-6463 for more information!

If you, or someone you know, is currently raising a child in a kinship setting, please feel free to connect with us – we are happy to assist!

Kinship care, as it’s commonly called, refers to caregiver grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, adult siblings and even family friends. Nationally, more than 2.7 million children live with relatives.  New York has more than 200,000 children living full time with kin.  Over 8,000 of these families reside in Monroe County.

Kinship advocates constantly talk about the near sainthood of caregivers. Imagine a distressed and hurt child, who has been abused and neglected, coming suddenly into your home. Would you have the courage and perseverance to accept the challenge? If it was your kin, you would. That’s the story of kinship care.  It’s a great story, filled with love and sacrifice.

Most of these children are not in foster care; they are being cared for by non-parents outside the “formal” foster-care system. Almost all have suffered the loss of parents and homes. Kinship care isn’t easy – it’s a labor of love from dedicated caregivers.  Children live with their kin because of unfortunate circumstances, including but not limited to incarceration, abuse, neglect, and parental loss. At the NYS Kinship Navigator, which is based in Rochester but serves the entire state, we hear from caregivers in New York City, Plattsburgh, Buffalo, and all points in between. Their stories are remarkably similar. Parents cannot parent, and family must step in quickly. But the families are remarkably successful – a result that we credit to the determination and unconditional love of caregivers. To meet kinship caregivers and to hear their stories is an altogether different thing, an incredible experience. The NYS Kinship Navigator is joined by the Kinship Integrative Network (KIN), which serves as a support system for caregivers in Monroe County.  These two programs, along with twenty one other programs funded by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), serve caregivers in their specific counties to ensure they receive the support and services they need to make the children in their care thrive.

This is the third year that New York celebrates September as Kinship Care Month. The Legislature and the governor have issued proclamations marking September as the time to praise the virtues of kinship families and recognize their importance.  This month we can all remember someone who has volunteered to be a child’s caregiver and go thank them. That’s a common cause worth celebrating.