Engaging With Families Involved With Child Welfare

When: Tuesday, July 22 - 12:00 PM

Duration: 1 hours 30 minutes

Location: Zoom

Event Details:

As a Family Peer Advocate (FPA), establishing a trust-based relationship with families involved with or who have been previously involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) can be particularly challenging. Working with CPS can be complex and contain sensitive issue for families, which could result in beneficial and/or detrimental outcomes. The experience of CPS involvement can lead to significant changes in family dynamics, relationships, and overall well-being. 

The objective of this training is to teach FPA's how to employ a trauma-informed approach that focuses on the family strengths and utilizes family voice. We will explore strategies to maintain a working relationship with the family if the FPA has to address safety concerns. FPA’s will understand how to equip families with the ability to confront stigma and mistrust and work through their fears.  Lastly, FPA’s will learn how to play a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative relationship between families and child welfare systems, ensuring the family retains the role of primary decision maker.

                                                                 About the Presenters

                                                              Ashley Sindone, FPA-C

As the Family Workforce Development Coordinator at Families Together, Ashley promotes family driven care by supporting family peer advocates throughout NY. Previously, Ashley served as an advocate for women undergoing recovery from addiction, domestic violence and homelessness in Syracuse NY.  During her capacity as a parent educator, Ashley supported families navigating the child welfare system. As an FPA Ashley specializes in assisting families with medically fragile children. She is passionate about empowering families to advocate for themselves and their children. She later provided education and advocacy to families who were expecting a child or who have recently become parents. 

                                                                    Ginger Molloy

Ginger Molloy is a FTNYS Family Policy Advisor stationed at the OCFS Albany
Regional Office . She has lived and professional experience in child welfare ,children's mental
health and peer support services. Ginger believes that building strong relationships are essential for effectively serving children and families, aiming for better safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes.