Conference Goal

This conference is envisioned as a one-day forum to engage faith-based organizations in Queens in foster parenting and supporting children in the foster care system. Faith-based organizations have historically played a leadership role in matters of social justice. The disproportionately high number of "children of color" in the child welfare system makes foster care a SOCIAL JUSTICE issue. The aim of this conference is to encourage local religious institutions to explore ways of getting involved, building on the very successful model of Foster Care Ministry designed by the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York.

Background

Jamaica Community Partnership Initiative (JCPI) began as the Urban Institutions Collaborative for Foster Care comprised of the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York, Forestdale, Inc., the Jamaica YMCA, the NYC Department of Education, and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. As neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations servicng Jamaica, New York, they are vested stakeholders dedicated to delivering high quality human services. JCPI has been joined by foster and preventive care agencies, the New York City Housing Authority, the Day Care Council of New York, and number foster parents and former foster children to become the Jamaica Community Partnership Initiative. Together, JCPI represents a coalition of individuals and community-based organizations that serve fragile families in Southeast Queens. JCPI is funded by the NYC Administration for Children’s Services.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Deputy Mayor Dennis M. Walcott will be the Keynote Speaker for the conference. Topic: Life As A Foster Parent. Mr. Walcott is a former foster parent and former Executive Director of the Harlem-Dowling Westside Center; he is also a life time Queens resident. His valuable insights will provide a key perspective in understanding the child welfare system.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

NYC Administration for Childrens' Services Commissioner John B. Mattingly will provide an analysis of the root causes of foster care. This discussion will be meaningful in understanding the public policy implications for enhancing the child welfare system. Prior to his tenure in city government, he worked for the Annie E. Casey Foundation as the Director of Human Service Reforms. At the foundation, Mr.. Mattingly designed and managed the "Family to Family" foster care initiative that is a national model in child welfare.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Reverend Alfonso Wyatt is the plenary speaker for the conference and a minister at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York. He will discuss the impact of foster care as it pertains to children of color. Rev. Wyatt chairs ACS Commissioner Mattingly's Task Force of Faith-Based Organizations and is Vice President for the Fund for the City of New York.