During the recent federal review of NYS's child welfare system, strengths were noted and certain "needs" emerged that required a plan for change. In July of 2002 the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) implemented a Program Improvement Plan (PIP) to address those areas in need of improvement. One area that the state has made a commitment to is supporting the role of foster/adoptive parents in promoting safety, permanency and well-being for the children

To that end, a state workgroup comprised of OCFS staff, foster and adoptive parents and the state's university training partners developed a foster parent survey instrument to assess foster/adoptive parents' unmet service and training needs. Surveys were mailed to a sample of foster parents throughout the state and are being distributed at all state sponsored foster parent trainings and conferences. Foster care agencies will not be distributing or collecting the surveys to ensure respondent confidentiality and candid answers. Comments are welcomed and encouraged.

The widest possible response by foster parents across the state is needed as survey results will inform and influence future OCFS strategies, plans, and policies. You can help by completing the survey yourself and by sharing it with as many foster parents as possible in your community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to share your and your colleagues' concerns and thoughts with state policy makers. Your answers will make a difference.

Below is a link to the survey in PDF format and a script for use with groups of foster parents. The surveys need to be printed out on two sides and then copied on two sides, carefully, so that the alignment stays close to the printed version to enable scanning. Do not use staples or fill in more than one circle per question, unless instructed to do so. The deadline for completed surveys is November 30, 2003.

You may request copies of the survey from Carol Clayton , CDHS, at (518) 435-1825.
You can view the federal review of the NYS child welfare system on the NYS OCFS website.

NYS Citizens' Coalition for Children, Inc.
410 East Upland Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-0034, office@nysccc.org
10/28/03