Erie County Adoption Resource Center
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The Erie County Adoption Resource Center (ECARC) is a pre- through post-adoption program that supports families in all stages of the adoption process. In many instances, when adoptions are finalized, families lose the services and supports that were in place during the pre-adoptive phase. This is particularly true for those adopting through the child welfare system. Caregivers need support at each stage of the adoption process as needs change and evolve. Hillside offers a continuum of pre- through post-adoption support services to caregivers as they navigate the joys and challenges that may arise while in the process of finalizing the adoption or after the adoption has occurred.
Participating families are connected to a case manager who can provide support with education, parenting and behavioral needs and assist families with referrals to other community resources as needed. The ECARC case manager is an adoption professional who brings lived experience as an adoptive parent to the role.
Services include:
- Information and assistance with referral to needed services
- Advocacy and support
- Monthly support groups, parent education groups, and trauma-informed trainings
- Family-focused events and activities
Eligibility
This program is open to pre- and post-adoptive families, who are in the process of adopting or who have adopted through the Erie County Department of Social Services, and are at risk of disruption or dissolution. Families can be referred by Erie County DSS, community agencies, therapists, or themselves, with pre-adoptive families needing county approval.
There is no residency requirement to participate in this program; however, the family has to have finalized their adoption through Erie County Department of Social Services.
Locations
Buffalo Office
70 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo NY 14214
Contact Information
Karen Kelley
585-256-7500
info@hillside.com
For details about this or any Hillside program, contact us 24 hours a day at 585-256-7500 or info@hillside.com
This Program Supported by the Erie County Department of Social Services.