Advocacy

COFCCA develops policy positions in a collaborative process with our member agencies based on the needs of the very vulnerable children and families they serve. As an organization that is in constant communication with direct services providers, we hear first about the impact on our communities caused by changes in economic downturns, youth culture, schools, drug trends, physical or mental health problems, and government budget and regulatory pressures.

After identifying concerns, we seek to quantify the extent of the problem by surveying our membership. Then we work together to determine the policy direction that best addresses the current issues. Armed with the necessary information, we advocate with officials at the New York State, City, or county level to discuss the ramifications of these changes on the goals that we share for the children and families cared for by our agencies.

COFCCA mobilizes its member agencies, which are located throughout New York State to reach out to elected officials on all levels as well as working with the media to bring our message to the public. In the past, COFCCA has successfully advocated for reasonable trend factors in state issued rates, requirement that state rates are fully funded, lower caseloads for workers in Preventive Services programs, subsidized kinship guardianship, restoration of funding for child welfare services, changes in the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act, and re-instatement of a State match for Preventive and Aftercare services. COFCCA also works collaboratively with other coalitions and citizens’ groups to ensure that the resources needed for quality child welfare services are provided.

COFCCA’s advocates for legislation to support the work of our member agencies, including meetings with legislators, partnering with alliances of advocacy groups on specific issues, and mobilizing member agencies, which are located throughout New York State to reach out to elected officials on all levels as well as working with the media to bring our message to the public.