July 2015
Awakening to Magic
In addition to services, times of joy, connection and wonder keep me going.
We Want to Be Heard, Not Fixed
Child welfare needs to focus on supporting people, not fixing problems.
Finding a Community
June 2015
Dreaming Again
Parenting Journey, therapy and writing are helping me believe in myself.
‘I Was Her Little Flower That Was Blossoming’
Mentors and peers helped me find my way back to hope.
May 2015
‘I Made a Mistake’ Not ‘I Am a Mistake’
How parents—and the child welfare system—can stand up to shame.
April 2015
From Enemy to Ally
Because my caseworker accepted me, I was able to believe in myself.
Everything Felt Like Nothing
I ran from my feelings and I didn’t know how to stop.
Reducing the Risk
Mothers in foster care need to know what’s in their case file and address risks
Support Without Judgment
I didn’t want to get services from a system set up to judge me.
A Responsibility to Support
Improving how child welfare systems respond to mothers who grew up in their care.
March 2015
‘When Someone Takes Care of Us, It’s Easier For Us to Take Care of Our Children’
Recommendations from young mothers who grew up in foster care.
Fight and Flight
Will my family ever be safe from child welfare’s reach?
February 2015
‘I Fought and Fought and Fought’
I needed a lawyer to get my son home.
Order of Protection
Free legal services before removal can keep poor children safe at home.
Making the Best of a Bad Situation
A New Jersey mother wins a State Supreme Court ruling that drug-addicted pregnant women can’t be charged with maltreatment for following their doctor’s orders.
Paying a Higher Price
Mothers of color, drugs and child welfare: What parents need to know.
January
2015
Paying a Higher Price
Mothers of color, drugs and child welfare: What parents need to know.
The Courage to Tell Their Stories
In South Dakota, Native American parents broke the silence and demanded change.
December 2014
Rise Matters to Me: Thank You
Rise Matters to Me: Jim Dossett
Rise Matters to Me: Michele Cortese
Rise Matters to Me: Ron Richter
Rise Matters to Me: Tammy Kim
Rise Matters to Me: Susan Chinitz
Rise Matters to Me: Erika Tullberg
Rise Matters to Me: Washington State Parent Leaders
Rise Matters to Me: Heidi Ombisa
Rise Matters to Me: Randy Block
Rise Matters to Me: Center for the Study of Social Policy
Rise Matters to Me: China Krys Darrington
Rise Matters to Me: Graham Windham
Rise Matters to Me: David Meyers
Rise Matters to Me: Deidre Warthen
Rise Matters to Me: John Mattingly
Rise Matters to Me #GivingTuesday
November 2014
‘Why Is This Happening in Your Life?’
Parents in the Child Welfare System Need to Be Heard
Like The Sky Being Blue
When I started working in child welfare, I was shocked by the institutional racism.
At the Table
Involving parent advocates before removal can help prevent unnecessary placements.
October 2014
The Color of Hope
Race can affect whether parents get the support to overcome.
Child Left Behind
My son fell apart in a stressful school environment.
September 2014
‘I Want My Daughter to Have Choices’
I get involved in my daughter’s schoolwork to make sure she knows how to achieve.
August 2014
Rise Annual Report
We are pleased to share our 2014 annual report and to thank our many contributors and supporters for all they give to Rise. Click here to learn more about Rise's public presentations, writing groups for young mothers who grew up in foster care, and publications focused on parent trauma.
VIDEO: I Hope My Judge Sees The Good in Me
This video developed in partnership with the Center for the Study of Social Policy and Harvard Center on the Developing Child can be used to sensitize child welfare staff, lawyers, judges and policymakers to the experiences of parents with infants in foster care.
June 2014
‘I Feel Good that I Never Gave Up!’
At National Reunification Month events, parents reflect on the long road home.
Recognizing Parents Who Have Done Right
Child welfare systems around the country celebrate National Reunification Month.
A Step in My Direction
When I despaired, people’s kindness helped me find my way back to my children.
May 2014
Healing Together
A resource guide to parent-child therapy in New York City.
March 2014
Do No Harm
Trauma-focused courts address the roots of family problems—and the traumatic impact of court itself.
‘Everybody Can See that I Came a Long Way’
Despite my disability and painful childhood, I’m keeping myself and my daughter safe.
Disabled but Not Unable
How bias impacts parents with disabilities in child welfare cases—and how that can change.
February 2014
‘I Wouldn’t Be a Good Steward of This Agency If I Didn’t Have the Input of Parents and Youth’
An interview with NYC Children’s Services Commissioner Gladys Carrión
January 2014
VIDEO: “Importance of Visits”
This informative new video from Legal Services of New Jersey can be used to educate policymakers, judges, lawyers, caseworkers and foster parents on the need for frequent, meaningful visits. Developed for Family Reunification Day, it features Rise Director Nora McCarthy
December 2013
“I Have Risen”
A video featuring Rise writers Nicole Goodwin, Erica Harrigan, Piazadora Footman and Sonia Diaz
“My Voice Can Make a Change”
By PIAZADORA FOOTMAN, Rise Editorial Intern
“I Can Let Someone Know What’s Happened in My Life Without Being Judged or Blamed”
By SONIA DIAZ, Rise Editorial Intern
“With Every Story I Write, I’m Learning What It Takes to Be Me”
By ANTOINETTE ROBINSON, Rise Editorial Intern
October 2013
Rise’s Piazadora Footman Speaks at a Child Welfare Watch Forum
Seen and Heard
Piazadora Footman's story about parent-child therapy reprinted in Child Welfare Watch
A Family That Heals Together
Child-parent therapy can help parents and children recover from trauma.
By ERICA HARRIGAN-ORR
There Is Always a Way Forward
Therapy showed me I could build a better future for myself and my children.
By MICARLINE LAVENTURE
September 2013
The Heart of the Problem
Child welfare systems are beginning to recognize—and treat—parents’ trauma.
By PIAZADORA FOOTMAN and LYNNE MILLER
From Existing to Living
I needed courage and support to face my childhood and reconnect with my kids.
By ERICA HARRIGAN-ORR
August 2013
Compassion in the Court!
Model courts find that supporting parents can strengthen the whole family.
By NICOLE GOODWIN, ERICA HARRIGAN-ORR and ANTOINETTE ROBINSON
‘I Used to Be in Your Shoes’
As a parent advocate, I help lawyers and parents connect.
By MILAGROS SANCHEZ
‘We’re Here for You’
Support and straight talk helped me trust my lawyer and her team.
By EBONIE KING
July 2013
The Person Behind the Petition
Getting the court to see beyond stereotypes.
By ANTOINETTE ROBINSON
In My Corner
My lawyer believed in me even when my family didn’t.
By PIAZADORA FOOTMAN
Coerced In Court
I wish I’d never let the court find me guilty of neglect.
By ANTOINETTE ROBINSON
Safe Parents, Safe Babies
A court reform effort that improves outcomes for babies focuses on parents.
By ERICA HARRIGAN
June 2013
Trial and Error
New models in many states are improving representation for parents. By ERICA HARRIGAN-ORR
Afraid to Speak Up
I needed my lawyer to be my advocate. By NANCY COLON
May 2013
CW360° Magazine—'Sick and Tired' by Rise writer Carla Burks
The Spring 2013 issue of CW360°—focused on the intersection of child welfare and children's disabilities—includes the story 'Sick and Tired' by Rise writer Carla Burks
Mission Impossible
CPS is helping to reconnect my son and me even though I lost my right. By CARLA BURKS
Times' Motherlode blog:
Talking With My Daughter About My Service in Iraq
Rebuilding Ourselves
After Iraq—and removal—I had to heal myself and my daughter.
‘Not Me, Not Ever’
Did my mother become the aggressor so she wouldn’t be the victim?
April 2013
Benjamins, Blowouts and Breakups
What comes between poor fathers and their families?
'Don’t Forget Me, Mi Hija'
My daughter’s mother wants nothing to do with me.
Sugar Daddy
I saw myself as a provider, not a dealer.
Holding Family Court to a Higher Standard
A positive drug test alone is not neglect, says NJ Supreme Court.
March 2013
Peeling Back The Layers
Sometimes it’s hard to see the truth in domestic violence cases.
Fighting for Sanity
When I felt alone, hitting my husband made me feel alive.
'Not Me, Not Ever'
Did my mother become the aggressor so she wouldn’t be the victim?
APPLICATION: Young Mothers Writing Workshop
Due April 1, 2013
CONTEST QUESTION - Due April 1, 2013
If you were in foster care as a child, how do your experiences still affect you as a parent today?
February 2013
‘Child Welfare Can Become a Weapon’
Domestic violence survivors organize to fight false and malicious reports.
Separate but Happy
I confused loneliness with love, but I recognized abuse.
‘Mommy’s Going Away for a While’
I couldn’t change fast enough to bring my children home.
January 2013
Parents, Advocates, Allies
Our teens need us to be voices for change.
Two Steps Back
Many adopted teens are ending up back in foster care. What does that mean for children—and their parents?
Looking for a Mother Who Won’t Leave
My birth mom and my adoptive mom both gave up on me.
A Risky Bet
Placing teens in foster care can do more harm than good.
Out of Our League
We placed our son in the system to get him the treatment he needs.
December 2012
Where the Heart Is
An NYC initiative will keep teens convicted of crimes close to home.
The Wrong Lessons
My son’s time upstate left him distrustful and angry.
November 2012
Taking Back Our Teens
With support and practice, parents can regain authority in their families.
Listening Past the Anger
Family therapy helped my children and me.
October 2012
A Part of the Solution
Involving parents to improve the juvenile justice system.
Doing Our Time
Ever since my son was locked up, I've been fighting for him and for change.
Families Rally to Raise the Age
Advocates press NY State to stop charging teens under 18 as adults.
Devastated
I couldn’t keep my son from the streets.
September 2012
To Bathe in Gold
I try to see the good in my son and in me.
‘What Can I Do?’
As teens, my children needed me to try new ways to parent.
August 2012
Supporting Parents in Crisis
Community Representatives Help Parents Find Solutions
Learn More About Parent Community Reps
Smoking Away the Pain
Can I face life without marijuana or will I fall apart?
July 2012
Seen and Heard
When I learned to listen to my son, he started to listen to me.
Careful What You Ask For
New Jersey State Supreme Court to hear appeal of mom who lost custody when she sought help for her disabled children.
June 2012
Rebuilding Ourselves
After Iraq—and removal—I had to heal myself and my daughter.
Dreams, Fights, Dates and Games
Step-parenting challenged me to become a stronger mom.
May 2012
Rise Story Published in NY Times' Motherlode
The Hard Way
I didn't understand how being abused in foster care affected me until years after my own child was removed.
Out in Front
When my family was investigated, I was terrified but I took charge.
'What Do You Need?
Approaching parents as partners helps families out of crisis.
April 2012
Family Supports Save Lives
A new study finds a link between cuts to preventive services and child deaths.
Blamed for My War Wounds
Child protection left me feeling ashamed and angry. Preventive services support me.
Far From Home
I needed help that my family couldn’t give me.
It Takes a Neighborhood
I’m working to break the cycle of foster care for my community.
March 2012
Double Life
I was the perfect mother on the outside and an addict inside.
‘Maybe I’m Not Any Good’
Addiction can make it harder to leave an abusive relationship
No More Chances
After my last relapse, I couldn’t get my children back.
February 2012
Judgment Day
When my family was in crisis, I needed someone to help me think.
Community Representatives Help Parents Find Solutions
Shifting the Power Dynamic
January 2012
Life After TPR
New laws give some families a second chance.
Mission Impossible
CPS is helping to reconnect my son and me even though I lost my rights.
A Way Out of No Way
My daughter and I keep trying to connect despite termination.
Letting My Sister Go
I’m afraid for my sister but I can’t help her.
December 2011
VIDEO: In Our Own Words
Rise writers Robin Wiley, Bevanjae Kelley and Piazadora Footman describe the impact of Rise magazine, in a video by Steve Pigrim.
November 2011
Building a Foundation
I’m giving my kids the love I never had.
One Step at a Time
How you can recover from your addiction.
'Take Me Home Now'
My autistic nephew is less safe in his group home.
October 2011
Guilty of Autism
Child Protective Services blamed me for my son’s condition.
How to Handle an Investigation Involving Autism
Expert advice for parents and child protective workers.
Getting Through It
I didn’t like drug treatment but it worked.
September 2011
Eat, Play, Love
Visits helped me become a good mother.
August 2011
On the Agenda
Parents’ message for New York City’s new child welfare commissioner.
Visit Hosts Help Families Reconnect
July 2011
United We Stand
A newspaper by Chicago public housing residents helps reverse unpopular policies.
Time for Bed
Putting my kids to bed on time was frustrating but worth it.
June 2011
Kinship Care Helped Me Stay Connected to My Son
Eat, Play, Love
Visits helped me become a good mother.
May 2011
Bad Break
Fighting back when hospitals misdiagnose child abuse
Presumed Guilty
I was treated like a criminal when my son fell and broke his leg.
No Safe Haven
Could we find treatment for my grandson without placing him in foster care?
April 2011
Parents’ and Children’s Rights at Stake
What a case before the Supreme Court means for families.
As a Parent in Partnership, I Can Help
Strong Advocates, Strong Families
Lessons from an Initiative to strengthen parent advocates in New York City.
Straight Talk From My Parent Advocate Helped Me Trust My Lawyer
March 2011
Community Representatives Help Parents Find Solutions
A Guide to Show Parents They Are Not Alone
February 2011
I Was Scared of CPS, But the Workers Listened to Me
Parent Leaders Helped My Family Get the Services We Need
January 2011: FROM RIGHTS TO REALITY
Supporting Parents in My Community
Rise Special Issue
From Rights to Reality
A plan for parent advocacy and family-centered child welfare reform
December 2010
Cookies, Stockings, Lights and Love
I hope my daughter will have good memories of our holiday traditions.
November 2010
At the Table
Community Representatives help parents facing removal to advocate for themselves.
October 2010
Locked Away From the World
Do I have the strength to trust others after years of isolating myself?
September 2010
Time to Come Home
I’ve recovered, but my girls are stuck in foster care.
August 2010
Like Family
I get help when I’m in crisis—so I can keep my daughters.
July 2010
Faith, Prayer and Action
A country preacher helped me find my way.
June 2010
Broken Bonds
My children haven’t seen each other or me since I was locked up.
May 2010
‘Where Are You?’
Being adopted left me with questions I can’t answer.
April 2010
Taking No Chances
I feared that my daughter would be taken from me if I stayed in foster care.
March 2010
‘We’re Here For You’
Support and straight talk from my parent advocate helped me trust my lawyer and her team.
February 2010
Afraid to Speak Up
I needed my lawyer to advocate for me.
January 2010
Good Intentions, Mixed Outcomes
To give families a fair chance, ASFA must clarify the supports that child welfare systems, courts and lawyers must provide.
December 2009
School Choice
How to stay involved in your child’s education when your child is in foster care.
November 2009
Two FREE booklets
>>'It's OK to Need Support'
>>A parent-to-parent guide to family support services
>>One Step at a Time
>>A parent-to-parent guide to the child welfare system
October 2009
Walks, Talks and Tears
I am trying new ways to get my anger under control.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
September 2009
Hard to Handle
I needed help with my son, not separation.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
August 2009
Cut Off
My daughter and I miss her foster parents.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
July 2009
‘She’s Still Your Mother’
I am angry at my sister but my nieces need her love.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
Forever Family
My daughter’s foster mother is still part of our lives.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
June 2009
Back in Touch
I’m getting to know my son after 14 years apart.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
May 2009
A Second Chance
I’m learning how to handle my children without getting high.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
April 2009
Sugar Daddy
I saw myself as a provider, not a dealer.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
March 2009
'What Can I Do?'
My children needed me to try new ways to parent.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
February 2009
Bonded for Life
My son and I didn’t develop a bond until years after he came home.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
January 2009
Like Daughter, Like Mother
Learning confidence from my daughter.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
December 2008
‘Mommy’s Going Away for a While’
I couldn’t change fast enough to bring my children home.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
SPECIAL REPORT
>>Seeking a Safe Haven
>>Parents abandon teens under a Nebraska law
>>passed to save babies.
>>Out of Our League
>>We placed our son in the system to get him
>>the treatment he needs.
October 2008
Education Starts at Home
My children need my support to succeed in school.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
Read this story in Spanish: here
September 2008
Raising My Voice for Families
I testified before Congress so other parents can get the support that’s helped me.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
August 2008
Paying The Price
My daughter was adopted while I was in prison.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
July 2008
No Recourse
Illinois parents try to stop family separations by taking the child welfare system to court.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
June 2008
'You Will Pull Through'
I came out stronger as a parent after a painful split.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
May 2008
'Mommy, I Know You Try Hard'
I’m succeeding in college with my family’s support.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
April 2008
'We're Poblanos'
Connecting my son to the country I left behind.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
Read this story in Spanish: here
March 2008
Mind Games
Getting high felt like the only way to keep myself sane.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
February 2008
Held Hostage
Family court delays have devastated my family.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
January 2008
Help for the Whole Family
My son’s learning disability affects us all.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
Read this story in Spanish: here
December 2007
Identity Crisis
Could I believe in myself when life let me down?
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
November 2007
‘It Won’t Happen Again’
I regained my faith in myself and my children’s trust in me.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
October 2007
Home to Say Goodbye
I had to visit my sick father in Mexico despite the risk.
September 2007
'What Next?'
I love my son, but his mental illness scares us all.
August 2007
Shock and Awe
My daughter’s first year was so hard for me.
July 2007
‘I Hated for the Night to Come’
I thought I’d lose my mind when my kids were in care.
June 2007
Dreams for My Daughter
I’m trying my best to parent from prison.
May 2007
‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’
I’m better off alone than with someone who hurts me.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
April 2007
Breaking a Painful Pattern
My children won’t grow up silenced and afraid.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
March 2007
Not a Baby Anymore
My daughter's tantrums were a sign that I needed to let her grow up.
February 2007
'One Child Felt Like One Thousand'
Family therapy helped my son and me handle his ADHD.
>>>>Discussion guide to use this story in groups.<<
Read this story in Spanish: here
January 2007
Love Isn't Written in a Court Order
Helping the system remember the strength
of family bonds.
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