October 27, 2026
When parents have a voice, families and communities grow stronger.
On October 22, Catholic Guardian Services joined Rise for its 2026 Gala, an inspiring evening celebrating “Love and Care,” parent leadership, and the power of community. As a Team Enricher Sponsor, CGS was proud to attend alongside members of its Specialized Family Foster Care team and Parent Advocates.
The evening reflected an important principle in Catholic Guardian Services’ work with children and families: parents’ experiences, perspectives, and strengths are essential to building stronger relationships and helping families move toward stability and reunification.
Who Is Rise?
Rise is a New York City advocacy organization led by and for parents impacted by the child welfare system. Its work centers on building the power of parents with lived experience, strengthening parent leadership, and creating opportunities for families to advocate for themselves and their communities.
That commitment closely connects with the role of Parent Advocates at Catholic Guardian Services.
Strengthening Parent Voice in Foster Care
Navigating the foster care system can be overwhelming, particularly for parents also working through the circumstances that led to their child’s placement.
CGS Parent Advocates provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help parents better understand the foster care process and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their children. Drawing on lived experience and a deep understanding of the child welfare system, Parent Advocates help families identify resources, communicate with service teams, and remain engaged in reunification planning.
Their role is an important part of Catholic Guardian Services’ commitment to working alongside parents — strengthening their voices, reducing barriers, and helping families build stronger relationships and greater stability.
Specialized Family Foster Care in New York City
Parent partnership is especially important within Catholic Guardian Services’ Specialized Family Foster Care program.
Specialized Family Foster Care supports children with complex medical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional needs who benefit from additional care and coordination in a family setting. Children are placed with specially trained foster parents who receive ongoing guidance and support tailored to each child’s needs.
CGS teams work alongside children, families, foster parents, healthcare providers, and other specialists to coordinate individualized services, promote stability and well-being, and preserve important family relationships.
Whenever possible, the goal is reunification. When reunification is not possible, CGS works with children and families toward another permanent family outcome.
In 2025, Catholic Guardian Services supported 155 children through Specialized Family Foster Care, reflecting the continued need for specialized, family-based foster care throughout New York City.
Celebrating Parent Leadership and Partnership
Catholic Guardian Services was proud to celebrate alongside Rise and recognize the Parent Advocates who bring their experience, compassion, and voices to families navigating foster care.
Pictured, left to right: Rhoda Clayton, Shvonne Braxton, and Tiffany Brantley, Parent Advocates; Brandi Barnes, Director of Specialized Family Foster Care; and Latisha Reed, Parent Advocate.
Together, we continue moving Forward with Compassion.
About Catholic Guardian Services
Catholic Guardian Services (CGS) is a nonprofit social service agency serving children and families across the five boroughs of New York City. With roots dating to 1887 and legal incorporation in 1913, CGS provides foster care and adoption services, children's mental health care through its Family Counseling and Wellness Center and school-based clinics, family support programs including Harmony Hub in the Bronx, an Unaccompanied Children's Program, and residential and community services for people with developmental disabilities. CGS provides these services under the oversight of New York City, New York State and federal agencies, including the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS), the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). CGS serves all who need help regardless of faith, race or background. CGS is sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York and headquartered at 488 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022. Phone: (212) 371-1000. Donate or learn more at catholicguardian.org.