My first day in recovery was Aug. 15, 2001. I will never forget it. Our daughter, who we call Little Mama, was already in foster care. Thatmorning, getting dressed, I tried to look normal. Then my husband and I got on the #6 train to 3rd Avenue. We didn’t even talk. I guess we were both nervous. I couldn’t believe we were finally going for treatment.
For so long I had never … Read More
I went through hell last summer because an angry neighbor called in a child abuse report on me after a neighborhood dispute. I was packing to move when Child Protective Services came. I was also taking care of my 6-year-old son, who is autistic and who was also sick. They insisted that my home was hazardous and tried to put my son in foster care. After a long investigation I was lucky enough … Read More
On July 26, Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner John Mattingly announced that he was stepping down after seven years ofrunning the child welfare system in New York City. Queens judge Ronald Richter will become commissioner in September.
One group affected by the change is the Parent Advisory Workgroup (PAWG), a group of parent advocates citywide who bring parents’ perspectives and needs into focus at quarterly meetings with ACS’ commissioner and top staff. … Read More
Until recently, my 4-year-old and 1-year-old had no schedule. They’d eat when they were hungry and sleep when they were tired. I’d cookdinner, but if they didn’t want to eat at 6 p.m., then they could eat later. My 4-year-old, Xavier, loves McDonald’s or Chinese food. Almost daily, Dad would give in and get him what he wanted.
X-man and his little brother, Zachary, also went to bed very late. … Read More
Last April, my son was placed in foster care from his mother’s custody. Knowing how some foster parents can be, I worried that my son might be mistreated in the system. My son had been staying with me onweekends, so I asked the judge if I could take my son, but the system did not approve of my apartment. They said I couldn’t bring him home.
But they allowed my mother to … Read More
