NYS OCFS Policy on Sharing
Foster Parent Names with Parent
Associations
NYS OCFS Policy on Sharing
Foster Parent Names with Parent Associations
A recent communication to NYSCCC reconfirms the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) policy permitting certified agencies to share the names and addresses of other foster parents with local parent support groups. Groups across the state have frequently reported difficulty gaining access to this information due to confidentiality concerns expressed by agency personnel. The inability to reach out to other foster parents has hindered organizational efforts by new groups and the development of new programs, such as buddy programs, by established groups.
In a February 22, 2001 letter to NYSCCC Nancy Martinez, OCFS Asst. Director of Planning and Policy Development recognized "the interest of foster parents in forming associations or networks with other foster parents certified or approved by the same county or agency" and therefore, their "need to be aware of the names of and how to contact other foster parents." Ms. Martinez's letter clearly supports the sharing of information by stating, "certainly it is appropriate for the certifying agency and for your organization (NYSCCC) to share the names and addresses of foster parents with other foster parents."
Agencies and groups are advised to exercise caution in sharing information about individuals without making them aware of the practice. "Before doing so, it would make sense to advise the foster parents that their names and addresses will be shared and to clearly spell out the purposes of sharing the information. Of course, a foster parent's participation in a network or association is voluntary, so an individual; could request that their identifying information not be shared for that purpose."
Encouraging certified agencies to provide information to foster parent support groups is part of a long standing NYS Policy to encourage the development of foster parent associations as evidenced by the following excerpt from the NYS Department of Social Services 1988 Model Foster parent manual: "Foster Parent Associations began in the 1960's as a way of getting foster parents together informally to lend support to one another. The association may be an informal weekly coffee hour …or a highly structured organization that is actively involved in policy making and legislative lobbying. The general purposes of Foster Parent Associations are: 1) to lend support to foster parents, 2) to create channels of communication among foster parents, 3) to assist in problem-solving, and 4) to advocate for the rights of foster parents. These organizations can be valuable sources of information, support, and advocacy for foster parents. The agency will provide foster parents with information about whom to contact regarding membership in a local or state association of foster parents."
For more information contact the Coalition or your OCFS local regional office.