WHAT: OCFS will announce the launch of a new peer-to-peer support “warmline” aimed at assisting youth and young adults with involvement in the New York State child welfare system by connecting them with trained peer counselors who may have similar lived experiences. The Heartline – a first-of-its-kind foster care peer support line – was developed and is being operated by Bravehearts M.O.V.E. New York under a contract with OCFS.

The official launch of The Heartline also marks OCFS’s recognition of National Foster Care Month, which aims to raise awareness about the need for more foster parents and ways to enhance the lives of youth in foster care. This year’s National Foster Care Month theme is “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.”

WHEN: Thursday, May 15 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Lanza Recreational Center at Children’s Village, 1 Echo Hills, Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522

WHO: OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden; Gail Geohagen-Pratt, OCFS deputy commissioner for the Division of Child Welfare and Community Services; Jess Dannhauser, commissioner of the New York City Administration for Children’s Services; Leonard Townes, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Social Services; The Children’s Village President and CEO Jeremy C. Kohomban; Bravehearts M.O.V.E. New York Executive Director Jessica Grimm-Gonzalez; a “relatable responder” from The Heartline; and a foster parent/kinship caregiver.

DETAILS: Following the spoken remarks, guests are invited to tour the “Bravespace,” a best practice youth safe space model run by Bravehearts M.O.V.E. New York. Guests are also invited to take a reflective walk where they can view signs created by Braveheart members and participate in a communal art project to create a mosaic honoring youth in foster care.

RSVP: Media interested in attending should RSVP to press@ocfs.ny.gov 

About the New York State Office of Children and Family Services:

The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York's public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services and is responsible for programs and services involving foster care, adoption and adoption assistance, child protective services, preventive services for children and families, and protective programs for vulnerable adults.