By TERESA BACHILLER

I’m the parent organizer at the Child Welfare Organizing Project (CWOP), a citywide advocacy and self-help organization for parents involved in the child welfare and family court systems.

When a parent calls CWOP, I introduce myself and the organization. Many times they’re seeking legal information because they don’t understand their case, or they want to know more about their rights. They ask, “Why are they taking my children? Why are they interfering with my family?”

I let the parents speak because they just want someone to listen to what they have to say. Often they say, “Thank you for listening.” Many times I let them know I’ve been affected by the child welfare system, too.

‘You’re Not Alone’

I always recommend that parents come to Support Group at our office. It’s run by parents, it’s from 11-1 on Wednesdays, and it’s a self-help group to empower ourselves. We share our stories and information regarding the child welfare and family court systems so every parent is better prepared.

When parents come in to Support Group, they’re feeling powerless, stressed, confused, frustrated. They come with anger. They feel that it’s only happening to them, so we make them aware they’re not alone.

Recently we had a parent who was very angry. She was saying, “You cannot help me. You never been there. You can’t speak to me.” I said, “Wait a second. You don’t seem to know who we are. We walked in them shoes, we’ve been there.” When we tell them a little of what we’ve gone through, their attitude totally changes.

Information and Support

I also make sure every newcomer has our Survival Guide, which some parents consider their bible. It explains ACS procedures and parents’ rights, and includes other parents’ experience and knowledge. I go over the Guide with parents and show them the information related to their case. Then I tell them, “Go home and read the whole thing.” Usually the Survival Guide motivates parents. Parents say, “You know what? Having this book makes me feel a little bit better. I know more about my rights.”

I also give out numbers. I might refer parents with new cases to the Center for Family Representation. I give some parents the number for our Highbridge office, which has more services than we have. I also might suggest parents call the ACS Office of Advocacy to speak with someone about their case.

Making Parents Comfortable

Many times parents call because they’re just confused. One woman called me because the caseworker said her case was unfounded, but her case still wasn’t closed. She didn’t understand why the worker wanted to visit her house again. She was anxious and didn’t know what to do.

So I referred her to CFR and she spoke to the social worker there, who went with her to a conference with ACS. It turned out she was refusing the services ACS wanted her to get because she didn’t understand her service plan requirements. Having the social worker there made a difference. She speaks the language ACS speaks and was able to explain. The parent felt much better. She called and told me, “Thank you, thank you.”

‘Concentrate on Your Goals’

In Support Group we give advice based on what we’ve experienced. The biggest thing we tell parents is, “You don’t need to give so much information. Whatever ACS asks is what you answer. There’s no need to reveal any other information.”

I also tell parents, “Represent yourself the correct way. Address people properly, dress appropriately, resist the temptation to complain, don’t miss any meetings, don’t miss visits regardless of how you feel, avoid escalating any situations, and always hear what they have to say before you speak on your behalf.” The most important thing is that parents understand not to go through an investigation alone. Always have someone knowledgeable and trustworthy to support you.

Just the other day, a parent told me she was not going to go see her daughter because she feels uncomfortable at the visits. I reminded her, “Always keep your visits no matter how you feel. Try to concentrate on your goals.”

By coming here and getting information, parents learn how to advocate for themselves. Parents find family here at CWOP. Listening and participating in Support Group gives parents the knowledge and power to fight their cases better than they could alone.

You can reach CWOP at (212) 348-3000.