A mother we recently supported had her newborn removed after concerns were raised that ultimately proved to be untreated postpartum depression. With therapy, parenting support, and consistent advocacy, she reunited with her baby. But they were separated for nine months during a crucial period of child development.

A father of a child who has autism lost custody of his son because of inadequate housing. We spent weeks helping him secure an appropriate apartment so they could be reunited. The stress of separation took a toll on the child.

These families had something important in common: they were both helped by a parent advocate, but that person only became involved after the children were already in foster care.

We believe separations like these can be avoided if families receive parent advocate support earlier.

New York City has reduced the number of children in foster care by nearly 90% over the last 30 years, reflecting........

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