Child Welfare

Strengthening, Teaching, and Educating People through Support (STEP-S)

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

Many families experience risk factors that could result in foster care placement – including domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health concerns. In keeping with our commitment to treatment strategies that have proven results, our Strengthening, Teaching, and Educating People Through Support (STEP-S) program utilizes the evidence-based Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model to help families get motivated, understand their risks, and improve family stability.

STEP-S is one of The Foundling’s largest foster care prevention programs, working to reduce and eliminate factors that lead to children being placed in foster care–helping families stay stronger together. STEPS uses research-backed techniques and evidence-based models to engage and motivate youth and their families, helping them to recognize that solutions and changes are possible. Participants in STEP-S are referred to The Foundling by the Administration of Children’s Services, other nonprofit organizations, and the community. The program operates in Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, and serves children from ages 11-18 and their families.

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Success Stories

From the hospital room to a happy home

Marina was thrilled to learn she was pregnant for the second time. But when she discovered she was expecting twins, the excitement quickly shifted to anxiety. It had been nearly 13 years since she had her first child, and she worried that having twins would be a completely different experience. With guidance from The Foundling’s Healthy Families Program, Marina refreshed her parenting skills and learned about community resources available to her and the new babies, Amaya and Ayden. From the hospital room to today, The Foundling's family support specialists have been there every step of the parenting journey. “The program has given me confidence in being a mom,” she says.

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