Family Resources

View resources for families: 

  • Activities in Orange County
  • Adoption - Featuring Orange County children waiting for adoptive families. The site also provides a wealth of information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent
  • Adoption - Voice for Adoption (VFA): develops and advocates for improved adoption policies. Recognized as a national leader in special needs adoption, works closely with federal and state legislators, as well as other child welfare organizations, to make a difference in the lives of the children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted and the families who adopt children from foster care."
  • Darkness to Light (Preventing Child Sexual Abuse is an Adult Responsibility) - Tools and resources to help adults take proactive steps to protect children by preventing, recognizing and reacting responsibly to child sexual abuse
  • Local Department of Social Services (DSS) - The Human Services Division provides families and individuals with services that will enhance the ability of families to live together, enable individuals to remain in their homes, minimize the risk of abuse or neglect, and provide for specialized care in residential settings when necessary.
    • Child Protective Services Caseworkers investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect that are made to the New York State Central Register (SCR) and then transmitted to the local DSS.
    • Preventive Services provide supportive and rehabilitative services to intact families where children have been assessed to be at-risk of foster care placement.
    • Foster Care Caseworkers provide casework services to children in family foster care, group and residential programs and to their birth parents and siblings at home.
    • Adoption Caseworkers arrange for permanent homes for foster children who have been freed for adoption, and provide services to those birth parents who want to give up (surrender) their child for adoption.
    • Home finding staff recruits, trains and certifies families to be foster and adoptive parents.
    • Day Care assistance is provided for qualifying low-income families.
  • Child Care Council of Orange County - A private, non-profit organization that functions to develop available and accessible quality child care for all children regardless of income level, or cultural background.
  • Network - What to Expect (PDF) - An innovative approach to working with families who need the help of a variety of services due to their child’s emotional/behavioral needs. It is a “family friendly” planning process that concentrates on a family/individual strengths rather than on problems or deficits.
  • Parenting Programs: helping families succeed by providing current research based educational programs and resources to parents and those who care for children. Able to bring these programs to the general public at minimal or no cost - scholarships are available. Consumer Helpline is available to help answer questions or make referrals.
  • Positive Parenting Resources - All parents need a little advice now and then. Get the lowdown on parenting basics like discipline, homework help, and how to talk to your child about tough subjects, like sex, tobacco, and alcohol. Plus, find out where you can turn for help and support.
  • Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP): Ongoing education and support program for grandparents and relatives who are providing primary care for relative children. Monthly support groups, educational resources, youth programs and other support services are available at several Orange County locations. Educational seminar topics may include: Legal issues, Living well, Keeping kids safe, and Working with your child's school.
  • Safe Homes Support Groups: for adult women affected by Domestic Violence. Locations: Goshen, Newburgh, Middletown and Port Jervis. In English and Spanish. Free and Confidential.
  • Sex Offenders Search: Provided by Sheriff Carl E. DuBois and the Orange County Sheriff's Office
  • Steps to Protecting Our Children From Sexual Abuse - An introductory guide for responsible adults interested in the prevention of child sexual abuse. The 7 Steps outline the Darkness to Light core principles for preventing, recognizing, and reacting responsibly to child sexual abuse.
  • Stop it Now! - Don’t wait until you see a problem before you start taking action to protect kids. Learn some simple things you can do every day to make sure kids are safe and then teach others.
  • Teen Electronic Event Notification Service (TEENS) (PDF) - a voluntary free service offered by the DMV that provides an opportunity for the parent or guardian of a minor, under the age of 18, to be notified in the event that a ticket, conviction, suspension, revocation or crash appears on the minor’s driver’s license record.
  • The Power of Parents, it's Your Influence - Did you know that 74% of kids turn to their parents for guidance on drinking? That’s why Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) created this website. It’s packed with tips and expert resources so parents can talk effectively about alcohol with teens and support safer communities.
  • Tips to Keep Your Child Safe From Sex Offense (PDF) - List of different tips for Parents/Caregivers. Provided by the YWCA of Orange County.