Child Welfare

Strengthening Our Families

Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP) Families Are Stronger Together (FAST) Family Services for Deaf Children and Adults Foster Care Healthy Families Improving Family Systems LifeSet Mother and Child Program Partners for Change The Phoenix Project Staten Island Community Partnership Strengthening Our Families Strengthening, Teaching, and Educating People through Support (STEP-S) Youth on the Rise

The Foundling’s Strengthening Our Families program works to prevent child welfare involvement by helping families improve their skills in five areas: 1) family stability; 2) family well-being; 3) education and training; 4) employment and financial management; and 5) goal setting.

Utilizing the evidence-based model Mobility Mentoring, the program pairs each family with a coach who provides regular home-based sessions to guide parents and children through improving their relationships, resolving family issues, and receiving the resources to navigate adversity and thrive in their communities. After 8-12 months of participation in the program, families emerge focused, self-sufficient, and equipped to support one another. Strengthening our Families is open to families with children of all ages, and operates in select neighborhoods of The Bronx.

Success Stories

Sitan Found Support and Stability

As a 19-year-old in foster care, Sitan had already faced a lifetime’s worth of challenges when she gave birth to her daughter in April 2020. But the added stress of managing life as a new parent — during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — made her struggles feel insurmountable. Her foster care team saw that Sitan needed more help, and connected her with our Mental Health Services department.

Through therapy, Sitan learned breathing exercises and coping mechanisms, and now tackles her challenges one day at a time. Additionally, The Foundling helped her make important steps toward independence— she secured daycare for her daughter, rented her own apartment, and has found a full-time job. She now has the stability to provide for her daughter, and is optimistic for the future ahead.

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