Tips for LGBTQ People Seeking to Become Foster/Adoptive Parents in New York State
Meeting Description
The New York State child welfare system is in constant need of foster/adoptive families for the approximately 23,000 children in its care. More than ever, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) communities are taking their places as temporary or permanent parents to some of these children/youth.
In this webinar, Consultant Fred Elia will acquaint participants with the public/ private agency process to becoming a foster/adoptive parent and how best to navigate that process. We will explore the parenting possibilities of fostering and/or adopting and help participants identify LGBTQ-welcoming agencies. Participants will leave with an understanding of the criteria for selection and the steps of the certification process.
The webinar is sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. The Project is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people in upstate New York achieve their goals of building and sustaining healthy families. Pride and Joy, its network of LGBTQ-led families, provides support, educational programs and a sense of community to the adults and children in these families. Visit us at www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org.
Date & Time
Date: Mon, Jul 19, 2010
Time: 12:00 PM EDT
Duration: 1 hour
Host(s): Claudia Stallman
Presenter Information
Frederick Elia
Fred Elia is a child welfare trainer/consultant with over 30 years professional experience, concentrating in the recruitment, training and support of foster/adoptive parents. He is also president of “A Thousand Moms,” a statewide community organization project in support of LGBT/Q youth in New York’s foster/adoptive system. Fred grew up in foster care with a younger brother in Schenectady, NY. He began working with the child welfare community in NYS to recruit LGBT foster/adoptive parents about 20 years ago. Ten years ago he organized the founding of the NYC LGBT Foster Care Coalition to bring together the LGBT community with the child welfare community in order to better serve children/youth in the foster care/adoption system. He now shares his foster family homestead (including The Foster Care Garden — a welcoming space for all connected to the Child Welfare System), with his partner, Dave.
Training Opportunity: How To Start a COLAGE Chapter
How to Start a COLAGE Chapter:
A special training opportunity for those who seek to support children with LGBTQ parents
Parents and other adults who are interested in supporting children with lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer (LGBTQ) parents are invited to join a special telephone conference call, “How to Start a COLAGE Chapter,” to be held on Thursday, November 12th from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. COLAGE Chapters are local or regionally-based social and support groups that connect children of LGBTQ parents to a community of peers, helping them to become confident leaders who are proud of themselves and their families. Interested young adults with LGBTQ parents are also cordially invited to attend the training.
Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director, will discuss the nuts and bolts of launching your own COLAGE chapter. We also expect to talk about ways to overcome the special challenges faced by residents of upstate New York, with its smaller cities and rural communities.
COLAGE is a growing movement of people with LGBTQ parents that is dedicated to creating a safer and more just world for COLAGErs and their families. According to Ms. Fenton, “I am happy to facilitate this conference call training for folks wanting to start/boost upstate NY based chapters. I look forward to helping seed the growth of NY chapters in addition to our current groups in NYC, Hudson Valley and Western NY/Buffalo!”
This educational opportunity is hosted by the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project and also made possible by COLAGE. The call is free. However, we must know how many callers will be joining us. Please reserve your place at the training by contacting Claudia Stallman, Project Director, at lesgayfambldg@aol.com or 607.724.4308. Registration deadline is November 9th. The call will be recorded so that anyone who cannot phone-in on that day can listen later.
COLAGE (www.COLAGE.org) is a national movement of children, youth and adults with one or more LGBTQ parents. COLAGE builds community and works for social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education and advocacy. COLAGE is headquartered in San Francisco, CA but offers chapters, events and programs throughout the United States.
The Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project (www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org) is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people in upstate NY achieve their goals of building and sustaining healthy families. We do this by providing support, advocacy, information, and access to community and sensitive healthcare and services.
For further information, contact Claudia E. Stallman, Project Director, Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project, at lesgayfambldg@aol.com or 607.724.4308. Or visit our website: www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org.
Upcoming Events of Interest to LGBTQ Individuals and Families in Upstate New York (10/20/09)
For more information, contact Heather Hauer, Outreach and Education Consultant, at 607.724.4308 or Hauer@PrideAndJoyFamilies.org, if direct contact information is not provided.
Events of Special Interest to LGBTQ Parents, Aspiring Parents and their Families
Wednesday, October 28, 6:30-8 pm. Rochester Maybe Baby: Adoption Options for LGBT Singles or Couples at GAGV Youth Center, 1st Floor, 875 E. Main St, Rochester, NY 14605, 716-639-3900, Cherie@adoptionstar.com, www.adoptionstar.com.
November 5-8, Nationwide COLAGE Speakout Camp, Woodstock, GA. Kids 15 and older are invited to spend a weekend learning and socializing with other kids with LGBTQ parents. For more information visit www.colage.org/programs/speakoutcamp
Saturday, November 7, 5 pm. Utica LGBTQ & Allies Roast Beef Potluck, 412 Rutger Street. Families with children are welcome! RSVP required by the Thursday before 315. 734.1653. Dinner will be followed by a craft activity for families, “This is My Family.” Main course provided and families bring dishes to pass: casseroles, vegetables, desserts, beverages. Call Jeff Sterling for more information: 315. 734.1653.
Sunday, November 8, 2-4 pm. Albany Fall Family Educational Event: Legal Issues—Protecting our LGBTQ Relationships and Families. Attorney Anne Reynolds Copps will present and respond to questions. Families with children of all ages are welcome: supervised activities provided for children in grades 3 and higher; playroom available for parents and their younger children. Fee $5.00/family (no one turned away). Light refreshments. Advance registration required for families with children. Contact Curran Saile at csaile@cdglcc.org or 518.462.6138. At Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Center (CDGLCC), 332 Hudson Avenue. Co-presented by CDGLCC, Lambda Family Circle and Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project.
Thursday, November 12, 7-8:30 pm. Statewide How to Start a COLAGE Chapter: A special training opportunity for those who seek to support children with LGBTQ parents. Telephone conference call led by Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director. Interested parents, other adults and young adults with LGBTQ parents are invited to attend. Call is free and will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Registration deadline is November 9. Contact Claudia Stallman at lesgayfambldg@aol.com or 607.724.4308. Sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project.
Saturday, November 14. Albany Lambda Family Circle, the GLBT families group, has tentatively scheduled a Lazer Tag meet-up. For more information, contact info@lambdafamilycircle.org, or call Brian at 518.432.1247 or Allyson at 518.439.0690.
Saturday, November 14, 3-6 pm. Binghamton Dorian and Marian are graciously hosting the Pride and Joy Families Thanksgiving Feast at their home again this year. They will provide the turkey and drinks, please bring a dish to share (if your last name starts with A-K, please bring a side dish, if your last name starts with L-Z, please bring a dessert). Please RSVP to hauerross@stny.rr.com by November 7th.
Thursday, November 19, 7-8:30 pm. Ithaca LGBTQ Parents Networking and Education Series (1st in series): LGBTQ Family Building for Aspiring Parents, 111 E. Seneca Street, Ithaca. Co-presented by Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes and the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Free event. Reservations required. Contact lgbt@ppsfl.org or 607.216.0021, ext. 136.
Saturday, November 14, 4-6 pm. Rochester Pride and Joy Families meet and greet. Enjoy light refreshments and a chance to gather informally with other LGBTQ-led families with children of all ages. Hosted by Karen Goulet, new Outreach and Education Consultant for the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Meet at the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 875 E. Main Street. Aspiring parents also cordially invited! Contact kgoulet@prideandjoyfamilies.org or call 607.724.4308.
Sunday, December 6, 2-4 pm, Ithaca LGBTQ Parents Networking and Education Series (2nd in series): A Family Fun Activity. Bring your family to create a family crest to treasure for years to come, St. Paul’s Church, Ithaca. Co-presented by Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes and the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Free event. Reservations required. Contact lgbt@ppsfl.org or 607.216.0021, ext. 136.
Other Events of Interest
Thursday, October 22, 6:30 pm. Albany “GLBT Financial Issues Explored,“ Free workshop presented at the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Center (CDGLCC), third floor. Contact Curran Saile at csaile@cdglcc.org or 518.462.6138.
Thursday, October 22, 6 pm. Rome, Take Back the Night March beginning at Rome City Hall. “Clothesline Project” and the “Silent Witness” to follow. Call Rosemary Venaro, YWCA for more information: 315.732.2159 extension 230.
Saturday, October 24, 7:30 pm and ongoing every Saturday. Utica Learn to play Pinochle! 412 Rutger Street (right-side door)! Challenging card game and great camaraderie. Please call first: 315.734.1653.
Sunday, October 25, 1 pm. North Country Prism will host a hike to Lamson Falls led by Charlie. Meet at the park in Canton across from the UU Church and the group will carpool to the trailhead. The hike is less than a mile and the falls are quite spectacular. Please RSVP to Charlie at cshene@twcny.rr.org.
Sunday, October 25, 5 pm. Utica Men’s Potluck is headed to Saltsman’s Hotel in the Hamlet of Ephratah, NY. Dinners are always less than $25 and are memorable. We have limited room in the van and are caravanning from 412 Rutger Street leaving around 3:30PM for those wanting to follow. Reservations must be in by Thursday Oct 13th in the evening (315.734.1653). Directions and history: www.saltsmans.com.
Tuesday, October 27, 7 pm. Rockland County Area Rainbow Boys, book reading and signing, New City Library, Teen Room 220 N. Main Street, New City, NY 10956.
Saturday, October 31, 9 pm. North Country Halloween Party, sponsored by Prism at the Cabaret Room at the Best Western Parkway Inn, 1515 Vincent Massey Drive. Admission is $10.00 at the door, which will open at 9:00 pm and includes a late night buffet. For more info go to www.prismny.org.
Friday, November 6, 9 am – 12 noon. Ithaca “Safe School, Safe Community: How to Help Children Meet the Challenge of Bullying and Trauma,” at The Holiday lnn, Downtown Ithaca. Cost $30.00, including breakfast and conference materials. Contact Josephine, Mental Health Association, Tompkins County (607) 273-9250. Seating is limited. Please RSVP by October 23.
Friday, November 6, 9-11 am. Kingston 4th Annual Pre-Conference Institute for Educators, Administrators and Service Professionals, “Just Like Any Other Youth: Understanding and Working With LGBTQ Youth.” Holiday Inn, Kingston, NY. Sponsored by Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center Inc., 845.331.5300, Visit www.lgbtqcenter.org.
Saturday, November 7, 9 am-4:30 pm. Kingston Come OUT & Find OUT Fourth Annual Educational Conference, Holiday Inn, Kingston, NY. Sponsored by Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center Inc., 845.331.5300, Visit www.lgbtqcenter.org.
Monday November 9, 6-8 pm. Rochester Hillside Adoption Services Information Meeting, 100 Metro Park, Rochester 14623. Free. Call Cecelia to register at 585.350.2501.
Saturday, November 14, 8 am-4 pm. Rochester Annual Adoption Conference by Hillside’s Adoption Resource Network at Bay Trail Middle School, Penfield. All day conference with national speakers regarding adoption. Call Cecelia .585.350.2501 for a registration brochure. Or go to Hillside.com
Friday, November 20, 9:30 am-4 pm. Binghamton The Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier’s Annual Cultural and Linguistic Competence Workshop. Topics include youth culture, including internet culture, bullies, depression and more. To be held at Decker Room, Broome County Public Library. Open to mental health providers, consumers, their family members, and the public. Contact Doris Chenung 607.771.8888.
Friday, November 20. National Transgender Day of Remembrance. A day to mourn, remember and educate communities about ending violence based on gender identity/expression.
Friday, December 4, 6-9pm, Binghamton World AIDS Day Event, Atrium of Binghamton University’s Downtown Center. As part of the First Friday Art Walk, join us for an evening of African music, art and caring. Handcrafted African jewelry show and sale to benefit Jifahamu Kenya Foundation, an organization that provides resources and support to women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Contact Southern Tier AIDS Program, 607.798.1706 or stapinc.org.
Monday December 7, 6-8 pm. Rochester Hillside Adoption Services Information Meeting, 100 Metro Park, Rochester 14623. Free. Call Cecelia to register at 585.350.2501.
Pride and Joy Families: Upcoming Events for Fall 2009
Upcoming Events of Interest to LGBTQ Families in Upstate New York
Please contact Pride and Joy Families at 607.724.4308, option 3 or by email for more information about an event and directions.
Saturday, Oct 3, 10:30 am-1 pm. Syracuse Brunch at Wendy and Tracy’s for those with little ones. Please bring a dish to pass.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 am-12 noon. At the Lavender Inkwell Bookshoppe, Syracuse. In Celebration of banned books week, there will be a reading of And Tango Makes Three.
Sunday, October 4, 12 noon -2 pm. Apple picking with Pride and Joy Families. Meet at the U-Pick Area at Green Brothers, 131 Brooks Road, Binghamton. www.applehills.com. In case of inclement weather a message will be sent to the listserv.
Sunday, October 4, 6pm. At the UU Church in Canton for a foster/adoption information session presented by Social Services. Visit www.prismny.org for more information.
Thursday, October 8, 10 am. At Binghamton University’s Nature Preserve, Binghamton. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record. Every year an effort is made to break the Guinness Book of World Records by gathering the largest group of people all across the nation to read the same book at the same time! Crafts, a parade, a guided walk in the Preserve and a reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, in honor of its 40th birthday.
Sunday, October 11. The National Equality March on Washington. Chartered bus leaves from Binghamton University campus at 6 am and returns around midnight. Roundtrip tickets are $55.
Wednesday, October 14. Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Center (CDGLLCC) Annual Awards Dinner.
Tickets also are available for those on limited income. For more information see – www.cdglcc.org
Wednesday, October 21, 7-9 pm. At Groton Middle School Gym. Cayuga Lake Transition Collaborative-Model Transition Program is sponsoring a Human Services Fair for families and students of Groton and Lansing School Districts.
Wednesday, October 28, 6:30-8 pm. Maybe Baby: Adoption Options for LGBT Singles or Couples at GAGV Youth Center, 1st Floor, 875 E. Main St, Rochester, NY 14605, 716-639-3900, Email Cherie or visit www.adoptionstar.com.
Thursday, October 29, 7-8:30 pm. LGBTQ Parents Networking and Education series (1st in series): Raising Sexually Healthy Kids, 111 E. Seneca Street, Ithaca. Co-presented by Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes and the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Free event. Reservations required. Email PPSFL or 607.216.0021, ext. 134.
November 5-8. Nationwide COLAGE Speakout Camp, Woodstock, GA. Kids 15 and older are invited to spend a weekend learning and socializing with other kids with LGBTQ parents. For more information visit COLAGE.
Friday, November 6, 9 am – 12 noon. “Safe School, Safe Community: How to Help Children Meet the Challenge of Bullying and Trauma,” at The Holiday lnn, Downtown Ithaca. Cost $30.00, including breakfast and conference materials. Contact Josephine, Mental Health Association, Tompkins County (607) 273-9250. Seating is limited. Please RSVP by October 23.
Friday, November 6, 9-11 am. 4th Annual Pre-Conference Institute for Educators, Administrators and Service Professionals, “Just Like Any Other Youth: Understanding and Working With LGBTQ Youth.” Holiday Inn, Kingston, NY. Sponsored by Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center Inc., 845.331.5300, Visit www.lgbtqcenter.org.
Saturday, November 7, 9 am-4:30 pm. Come OUT & Find OUT Fourth Annual Educational Conference, Holiday Inn, Kingston, NY. Sponsored by Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center Inc., 845.331.5300, Visit www.lgbtqcenter.org.
Saturday, November 14, 3-6 pm. Dorian and Marian will once again host a Pride and Joy Thanksgiving Feast at their home. They will provide the turkey, please bring a dish to share.
November date TBA. Ann and Mary will host a Thanksgiving Feast at their home in the Syracuse area. Please stay tuned for details.
Thursday, November 19, 7-8:30 pm. LGBTQ Parents Networking and Education Series (2nd in series): LGBTQ Family Building for Aspiring Parents, 111 E. Seneca Street, Ithaca. Co-presented by Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes and the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Free event. Reservations required. Email PPSFL or 607.216.0021, ext. 134.
Friday, November 20, 9:30 am-4 pm. At the Decker Room, Broome Public Library, Binghamton, The Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier’s Annual Cultural and Linguistic Competence Workshop. Topics include youth culture, including internet culture, bullies, depression and more. Open to mental health providers, consumers, their family members, and the public. Contact Doris Chemung (607)771-8888.
Sunday, December 6, 2-4pm. LGBTQ Parents Networking and Education=2 0Series (3rd of the series): A Family Fun Activity. Bring your family to create a family crest to treasure for years to come, St. Paul’s Church, Ithaca. Co-presented by Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes and the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project. Free event. Reservations required. Email PPSFL or 607.216.0021, ext. 134.
What is Pride and Joy Families?
The Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project sponsors Pride and Joy Families, a network of LGBT-led families that provides social and educational activities and a sense of communit y to LGBT parents and their children. The Project is dedicated to helping LGBT people in upstate New York build and strengthen their families. It was founded in 2000 with a grant from the New York State Health Department to the Ferre Institute, Inc. The Project offers educational programs and trainings, information and referral services, a directory of welcoming health and human service providers, and support groups for LGBT parents and prospective parents.
Registration Now Open For Pride And Joy Families Conference
Registration Now Open for Upstate New York LGBTQ Families Conference
Registration is now open for the 2009 Pride and Joy Families Weekend Conference to be held April 24-26 in Utica, NY. The Conference will bring together lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer (LGBTQ) parents, their children and aspiring parents for three days of learning and socializing at the newly-renovated Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre. Online registration is available at www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org. Early bird rates apply until March 16.
Highlights of the Conference include a keynote address, “LGBT Families: Still Moving Forward,” by Jennifer Chrisler of the Family Equality Council; Special Guest Speaker, Dr. Charlotte Patterson, premier researcher on the welfare of kids in LGBT families; 15 educational workshops for LGBT parents and would-be-parents; a teen panel in which kids with LGBT parents speak out; COLAGE programs for grades 3-5 and 6-12; childcare (ages 6 mos. to 7 years); a Resource/Vendor Fair; and family activities and entertainment.
The Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project, with co-presenters Family Equality Council (www.familyequality.org) and COLAGE (www.COLAGE.org), sponsors the Conference. Gay Parent Magazine (www.gayparentmag.com) is the media sponsor. The Conference takes place in Utica, which is located between Albany and Syracuse, just off the New York State Thruway. Utica is also accessible by passenger rail service. Syracuse is the nearest commercial airport.
According to organizers, “We are thrilled to be able to offer our third Pride and Joy Families Conference to members of the LGBT family community in upstate New York. Parents who have participated in previous Conferences tell us that meeting and spending time with other families like theirs is ‘an amazing experience’ for them and their children.” One gay dad from Albany put it this way, “…nothing compares to the experience of face-to-face personal interactions with other families to share information and ideas as well as emotional support…Most vital of all, our four year old son has been able to meet other children who come from families which are like his own. (He) will grow up knowing that he is not alone, with strong role models to look up to…”
As with the two previous Pride and Joy Conferences, held in Ithaca in 2001 and Binghamton in 2005, families will gather from all over upstate New York and beyond. Adult workshop topics include legal and policy protections for our families, considering parenthood, raising healthy transracially-adopted children, and talking to teens about sex. Children and youth programs will be provided by COLAGE, known nationally for their fun youth empowerment and leadership development programming for kids with one or more LGBTQ parents.
Organizers have worked hard to keep Conference costs reasonable for participants. Registration fees include all meals at the Conference hotel and range from $75 for adults ($60 early bird) to $30 for the youngest children ($15 early bird). Saturday-only registration rates are also available. Accommodations at the Conference hotel cost $89/night (recently reduced from $109), if reservations are made by March 24th. Some local housing and a limited number of scholarships are available to assist families.
The Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project is dedicated to helping LGBT people in upstate New York build and strengthen their families. It was founded in 2000 with a grant from the New York State Health Department to the Ferre Institute, Inc. The Project offers provider trainings, educational programs, information and referral services, a directory of welcoming health and human service providers, and support groups for LGBT parents and prospective parents. Our Network of Pride and Joy Families provides social and educational activities and a sense of community to LGBT parents and their children.
To register for the 2009 Pride and Joy Families Weekend Conference, visit www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org, or call 607.724.4308. To advertise in the Conference program book, host a booth at the Resource/Vendor Fair or underwrite a portion of the event, please contact Loren Couch, Conference Coordinator, at lcouch@prideandjoyfamilies.org or 607.724.4308.
