Gail Geohagen-Pratt

The session focused on updates and a detailed presentation regarding the Empire State Family Child Care Collaborative, which is supported by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and Childcare Resource Centers (CCRCs). Key discussion points involved the goals of the collaborative, which aim to improve the financial well-being of providers (through increased revenue, decreased costs, and retirement planning access) and their physical/mental well-being (by saving time, creating efficiencies, reducing stress, and connecting providers). The presentation detailed how 31 of 35 CCRCs across New York State began hosting these collaborative networks starting July 1st, noting that NYC CCRCs are not currently funded for this initiative. Additionally, updates were provided on the childcare assistance program, including access to resources like CCAT monthly spending updates and monthly surveys regarding local district case opening status and waitlists.

This guide outlines practical strategies for enhancing the recruitment and retention of kinship, foster, and adoptive homes. Key focus areas include leveraging data-driven approaches, prioritizing kin-first placements, and implementing targeted recruitment strategies for diverse communities and hard-to-find homes, such as older youth and sibling groups. The document also emphasizes the importance of child-focused recruitment and providing comprehensive customer service and support to foster families, aiming to improve placement stability and permanency for children in care.

The 2025-2026 Supervision and Treatment Services for Juveniles Program (STSJP) Annual Plan for Chautauqua County aims to reform juvenile justice practices by engaging youth and families to reduce out-of-home placements and detention. The plan outlines three core programs: "Accountability and Responsibility," which utilizes evidence-based strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for at-risk youth; the "Chautauqua Family Empowerment Program," providing intensive home and community-based services focused on decision-making and communication skills; and the "Family and Youth Support Program," offering indirect support such as incentives, transportation, and activity memberships. These initiatives collectively prioritize prevention, early intervention, and alternatives to detention and placement, with specific goals to achieve outcomes like reduced truancy, fewer arrests, and increased positive community engagement among youth.

This document provides guidance regarding Permanency Hearings for children in foster care. The discussion covers the purpose of the hearing, which is to gather all relevant parties to discuss the child's situation. It emphasizes that children are the focus of the hearing and that their presence, even if silent, is invaluable due to their visible reactions. Topics discussed include preparation for the hearing, such as consulting with legal counsel, and the roles of various participants including the judge, case worker, and attorneys. Specific topics that children might raise include requests for permits, passports, child care, housing, and visitation adjustments. Advice is given to youth attending the hearing to ask questions, attend with an open mind, and advocate for themselves by fighting for what they believe in.

This document outlines Franklin County's Supervision and Treatment Services for Juveniles Program (STSJP) Annual Plan for Program Year 2025-2026. The plan focuses on reducing out-of-home placement and detention of youth by engaging youth and families through innovative programming. Key programs include Electronic Home Monitoring, Stepping Stones Program, and Supported Work Program, offering services in Prevention, Early Intervention, Alternative to Detention/Pre-dispositional Placement, Alternative to Placement, and Reentry/Aftercare. The plan emphasizes local collaboration, addresses identified community needs for youth from high-referral ZIP codes, and aims to achieve specific outcomes related to reducing justice system involvement and promoting positive youth connections.