WHAT:
OCFS will hold a kick-off event and press conference at St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany, New York, to announce the launch of multiple family opportunity centers (FOCs) across New York State. St. Catherine’s is one of the first centers funded by an initial investment of $12 million in both federal and state grants administered by OCFS and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In addition to Albany County, other FOC locations are launching in Western and Central New York, along with the Hudson Valley.
Through family support and strengthening services, FOCs enhance well-being by increasing protective factors providing concrete supports and addressing barriers to mental health and substance use disorder services. FOCs are one of several data-driven prevention strategies that protect against the risk of child abuse and maltreatment, while also strengthening families.
WHEN:
Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
St. Catherine's Center for Children
Family Opportunity Center
31 Walter St.
Albany, N.Y. 12204
WHO:
OCFS Acting Commissioner Suzanne Miles-Gustave
OCFS Associate Commissioner of Child Welfare and Community Services Renee Hallock
NYSED Assistant Commissioner of Student Support Services Kathleen DeCataldo
Catherine’s Center for Children Executive Director Frank Pindiak
DETAILS:
Highlights of specific St. Catherine’s FOC program offerings as a representation of statewide programs followed by a tour of the facility for stakeholders and media.
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
