Some adoption agencies will provide non-identifying information directly to an adoptee. There are many ways for you to experience caring for children who need a loving adult. OCFS administers the ICPC in New York State. release copies of original birth certificates or adoption records; release non-identifying information or medical information to birth parents; Do not attempt to print the application using the print command in your browser. Bureau of Permanency Services
No laws currently exist to regulate when consent can be given. Photolisting for US States and International kids Waiting for adoption. You can learn morehereor call an adoption counselor1-800-236-7898. Get involved in the lives of children in your community. Over 110,000 of these children will not be able to return to their parents and are waiting for families to adopt them. Few agencies charge fees when families adopt children with special needs. Toggle navigation . The primary focus of OCFS is the adoption of children from foster care, but there are other adoption processes such as adopting a child who is not in foster care or adopting internationally. Some have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. To help waiting children find permanency, we partner closely with states, tribes, and territories to make sure a child receives as much exposure to the public as appropriately possible. 115-b, Birth parent expenses: Adoptive parents may make the following payments: birth related medical and hospital fees; medical, hospital, and nursing fees for the support of the child; living expenses for the birth mother, not to start until 60 days before birth and not to extend more than 30 days after birth. Who May Be Adopted. Suite C. Baltimore, MD 21236. After completion of the homestudy, the caseworker prepares a written summary about the family. 5054, Funding Opportunities / Contractor Information. REGISTER, Directory of Adoption Services in New York. Many of the children waiting for adoption are considered "older," meaning that they are over the age of seven. When you adopt a waiting child, you will be giving that child a permanent family and another chance in life. You can download DOH-4455 as a PDF document below: Questions or comments: contact the Vital Records Call Center at (855) 322-1022. Applicants must submit 3 character references. Rensselaer, NY 12144. The AdoptUsKids link and the contact information below may help you. Adoption Photolisting and Heart Gallery New York, NYS Adoption Agency Authorization Process, ICAMA: Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, ICPC: Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), Funding Opportunities / Contractor Information. Adoption; Waiting Children; Resources and Services; About Us . For a list of these agencies, call New York State Adoption Service at: 1-800-345-KIDS (1-800-345-5437). Adoption is a decision for the entire family. The official translation service for this site now is available under the "Translate" button on the title bar. Unless the adoptive parent is seeking to adopt a foster child for whom he or she has already been providing care, New York State law requires that agencies generally supervise families for three months after placement before an adoption becomes legal. Thank you for considering New York State's waiting children. Parents must have stable employment as well as a plan for the child to be around adult supervision at all times. 52 Washington Street 1-800-345-5437 Child Welfare Information Gateway is a service of the, Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway, Iowa Foster and Adoption Family Connections, Kentucky Foster Adoptive Caregiver Exchange System, Maryland Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services Adoption Exchange, Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network, West Virginia Adoption/Foster Care Services, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Philosophy and Key Elements of Family-Centered Practice, Family-Centered Practice Across the Service Continuum, Creating a Family-Centered Agency Culture, Risk Factors That Contribute to Child Abuse and Neglect, People Who Engage in Child Abuse or Neglect, Overview: Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect, Public Awareness & Creating Supportive Communities, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Programs, Developing & Sustaining Prevention Programs, Evidence-Based Practice for Child Abuse Prevention, Introduction to Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect, Differential Response in Child Protective Services, Responding to Child Maltreatment Near Fatalities and Fatalities, Trauma-Informed Practice in Child Welfare, Collaborative Responses to Child Abuse & Neglect, Supporting Families With Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, Introduction to Family Support and Preservation, In-Home Services Involved With Child Protection, Resources for Managers of Family Support and Preservation Services, Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living, Overview: Achieving & Maintaining Permanency, Recruiting and Retaining Resource Families, Permanency for Specific Youth Populations, Working With Children, Youth, and Families in Permanency Planning, Working With Children, Youth, and Families After Permanency, Resources for Administrators and Managers About Permanency, Children's Bureau Adoption Call to Action, Adoption and Guardianship Assistance by State, For Adoption Program Managers & Administrators, For Expectant Parents Considering Adoption and Birth Parents, Administering & Managing Child Welfare Agencies & Programs, Evaluating Program and Practice Effectiveness, ndice de Ttulos en Espaol (Spanish Title Index), National Foster Care & Adoption Directory, Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast Series, https://www.adoptuskids.org/states/al/browse.aspx, https://www.childrensheartgallery.org/gallery?field_child_filter_value=All&time=1665064848585, https://www.childrensheartgallery.org/contact-us, https://portal.ct.gov/DCF/CTFosterAdopt/Home, https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/heartgallery/, https://cfsa.dc.gov/service/greatest-gift-forever-family, https://cfsa.dc.gov/service/become-foster-or-adoptive-parent, http://adoptflorida.org/heartgallery.shtml, http://adoptflorida.org/foreverfamily.shtml, https://itsmyturnnow.dhs.ga.gov/WebForms/Home.aspx, https://itsmyturnnow.dhs.ga.gov/WebForms/ContactUs.aspx, https://greenlightfamilyservices.org/heartgalleryofil/, https://greenlightfamilyservices.org/contact/, https://iowafosterandadoption.org/meet-iowas-amazing-kids/, https://iowafosterandadoption.org/contact-us/, https://www.adoptkskids.org/about-us/contact/, https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyfaces/Home/ContactUs, https://www.adoptuskids.org/states/la/index.aspx, https://adoptuskids.org/states/me/browse.aspx, https://www.adoptuskids.org/states/md/index.aspx, https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/programs/foster-care, https://nebraskaheartgallery.org/contact-us.html, https://dcfs.nv.gov/Programs/CWS/Adoption/ChildrenAvailable/, https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/child-protection-juvenile-justice, https://www.adoptuskids.org/states/nj/index.aspx, https://www.nj.gov/njfosteradopt/adoption/contact/, https://www.adoptuskids.org/states/nc/index.aspx, https://www.hhs.nd.gov/adoption-program/instructions-utilizing-electronic-adoption-listing-service, https://www.oklahomaheartgallery.com/contact-us/, https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/CHILDREN/ADOPTION/Pages/waiting-children.aspx, http://www.adoptpakids.org/AdoptiveParent.aspx, https://adoptionri.org/meet-the-children/, https://scheartgallery.sc.gov/content/contact-us, https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/adoption/, https://www.adoptuskids.org/states/tn/index.aspx, https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/Get_Started/Information_Meetings/default.asp, https://www.utahadopt.org/building-your-family/heart-gallery, https://www.adoptuskids.org/va-photolising, https://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/ap/ai.cgi, https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Providers/Pages/Adoption.aspx, http://www.wvdhhr.org/oss/adoption/wv_children.asp, https://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption-exchange-wyoming/. a lengthy one. Our goal is to find a permanent family for each of our freed children; a family where children can grow and thrive in a close, loving environment. 372-c, Finalization: Out of 1,957 adoptions completed in 2014, the average time between TPR and adoption finalization was 14.7 months. Please see the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene web site for more information. Children under 18 adopted from a Hague Convention country entering the U.S. with an IH-3 visa may automatically receive U.S. citizenship. Each of New York's 58 social services districts has an adoption unit, and more than 70 authorized voluntary agencies statewide work with adopting families. The Adoption Album is updated regularly to add children newly freed for adoption. They need a permanent home. In New York State, almost anyone can become an adoptive parent. New York State Adoption Service. When it is determined to be in the childs best interest, the agency contact will share more detailed information about the child with those who may be able to provide a permanent connection and/or adoptive home for the child. 14 years and older. While it may seem like another daunting hoop to jump through, this second check shouldnt add too much to your approval time; you can generally expect all background checks to be completed within about three months. The new service is referred to as the Birth Parent Consent Program and began on November 3, 2008. Prospective adoptive families can review and discuss the written summary and add their own comments. Also, a criminal history check for a prospective adoptive parent or any other person over the age of 18, who is currently residing in the home is required. Report of Adoption (to be completed and certified by the court) DOH-4455: Adoption Information Registry Birth Parent Registration Form : LDSS-2725: NYS OCFS Request/Response for Name and/or address of Father of Child Born Out of Wedlock : OCFS-3937: Request for Information - Private Adoption : The following payments are permits: medical, hospital, and nursing fees for the support of the child; living expenses for the birth mother. This information is also available to adoptive parents and the adult adoptee after the adoption is finalized. . Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or coach. To be kept informed of the status of your case. Domestic Infant Adoptionscan be completed through a New York adoption agency or adoption attorney. Adoption forums, support groups, stories, forum, chat & message boards. . Call the NOAS family specialist at 800-686-6627 ext. Case Number 5961. Asking for support during this process is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is available at your county's social services adoption unit, at voluntary authorized agencies in your . He enjoys gaming, fishing, playing football, basketball, and soccer, and working to save money for a PC. This cost includes: FCCA's home study fee; Fingerprint and medical exam costs; Mileage for the initial home visit 374(2), Relinquishment: Judicial consent is irrevocable upon execution or acknowledgment. Many people become foster parents; some serve as volunteers with a child welfare agency before adopting. We have found this program beneficial in finding families for our children. Adoption Photolisting and Heart Gallery New York, NYS Adoption Agency Authorization Process, ICAMA: Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, ICPC: Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Adopcin de un menor en cuidado de crianza en el estado de Nueva York, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). NYS Adoption Services It may take six months or more from the time you apply before a child is placed in your home; it will take at least three to twelve months after that before the adoption may be finalized in court. They need you. Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or coach. Most adoptions from the New York foster care system are without fees; you may even be able to qualify for a limited reimbursement of your court and attorney costs for finalization. In New York State, there are two types of adoptions with different procedures: private placement and agency adoptions. It is helpful to provide the child's photo listing ID when speaking with an agency contact. The Family Adoption Registry is a quick and easy way to match prospective families and waiting children. **Please be certain to include your name, mailing address and the type of application you need (i.e., adoptee, birth parent or biological sibling). We are different from county child adoption programs and have worked with birth parents and adopting families from all over the world and our overall satisfaction rating has been excellent. Please call the New York State Adoption Service at 1-800-345-KIDS (5437), or email them at adopt.me@ocfs.ny.gov to learn more about the adoption process. The legacy Google Translate service is also available below. Adoption Photolisting and Heart Gallery New York, NYS Adoption Agency Authorization Process, ICAMA: Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, ICPC: Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Funding Opportunities / Contractor Information. }); Gallery of children waiting to be adopted: https://adoption.com/photolisting?page=1&search_type=region&range=UnitedStates. . The Ohio Adoption Profiles were created to help individuals and families learn more about adoption and the type of children waiting for forever families in Ohio. NYS Adoption Services See the Adoption Subsidies page for information. Family Registration Rensselaer, NY 12144. The adoption agency is also entitled to a non-identifying information report processing fee not to exceed $50. adopt.me@ocfs.ny.gov, You are on this page: Family Adoption Registry - 1-800-345-KIDS (5437). Each page contains a photograph and a brief biography of a child needing a family. Complete your Home Study with Hands Across The Water or an appropriate agency in your state. These are some of the bureau's responsibilities: Child Photolistings: Administers and supervises the child photolisting process in which children are published in The Adoption Album. The following is meant to help you prepare for the home study. To adopt, you need to be: The legal process of adopting, from application to finalization, can be a lengthy one. Learn more about inter-country adoption from the U.S. Department of State. The agency uses this summary in the placement process. A homestudy is a series of meetings, interviews, and training sessions involving the agency and the prospective adoptive family. RESEARCH Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Florida Georgia Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi New Jersey New York Nevada North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Utah Virginia Washington. Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Florida Georgia Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi New Jersey New York Nevada North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma . If you choose to adopt a child who is currently waiting (like a child in foster care) you may qualify for adoption subsidies from the state. Parental rights have not been terminated for Allie and Wells. The Family Adoption Registry is part of The Adoption Album database and is an opportunity for prospective parents to register their interest in adopting New York State's waiting children. Visits start as short meetings, increasing in length as the family and child get to know one another. The placements are arranged between the birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s). This information will be available to adoption staff throughout the state in order to facilitate the matching of children to prospective families. How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Foster Child through FCCA? This helps agencies appropriately place children in their care. All the children in the photolisting are legally freed for adoption. Most decide to have the homestudy completed. Photolisting for US States and International kids Waiting for adoption. In addition to the child photolisting available on the website, New York State publishes a printed version of The Adoption Album. If the childs birth parent revokes her consent, the prospective adoptive parents have the right to contest the revocation through the court system. In New York State, there are more than 130 adoption agencies. Our goal is to find permanency for youth living in foster care, like Trina. We have found this program beneficial in finding families for our children. A one or two parent family versed in the needs of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, will be rewarded by Teagan's sweet smile and happy disposition. Use the following links to quickly navigate around the page. Room 332 North If you are adopted, or if you placed a child for adoption, or if you are the biological sibling of an adopted person, you may wish to learn more about your birth family. Adopting a baby, international orphans or foster children. The adoptive parent(s) are then able to proceed with completion of the adoption in court. Use the following links to quickly navigate around the page. It is important for families to know that support is available at any time, before and after the adoption is finalized. For more information, contact the New York State Adoption Service at: The official translation service for this site now is available under the "Translate" button on the title bar. Applications received from an adoptee or biological sibling without a copy of the applicant's birth certificate will be returned without processing. From California to Florida, these dedicated Heart Gallery planners add their own creativity and with hard work and the generosity of their . Age that Child's Consent Needed.
If you want to find more about your adoption, you may be able to find information from the New York State Health Departments Adoption Registry, but if the first parents have not registered themselves, you will only be able to get non-identifying information (things like religion, ethnicity, and the race of the biological parents, but no names or locations). Out-of-state residents can register for the Family Adoption Registry by completing the online registration process. . Who Can Adopt in New York? Additionally, caseworkers can search the Family Adoption Registry, using specific criteria, to find families for children. Many of these changes are exciting, but some are difficult. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly, and therefore, some information may be outdated, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions, or typographical errors. Attend an adoption orientation meeting at your county's social services adoption unit or a private authorized agency in your community. We ask that as you view our children, consider that they live in our communities. We trust you will find it an informative and useful guide as you make this most important decision to parent a child. Gender Male. Adoption.com is not a licensed adoption agency or facilitator and it . You will need to describe the type of child you feel most suited to adopt, and the agency can help you with this description. An independent adoption can cost $15,000 to $40,000, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, a federal service. Ethnicity Other. New York State Department of Health. Get involved in the lives of children in your community. Room 332 North Ability to cope with problems, stress, and frustrations. The legacy Google Translate service is also available below. Most successful adoptions occur in families who seek support from the start. Home_News & Events . While you can sort the thousands of children photolisted on AdoptUSKids by state, not all children a state has available for adoption are . These fees typically cover a birth mother's medical expenses, legal . For adoption of children in the legal guardianship of voluntary authorized agencies, fees generally are based on the adoptive family's income. The legacy Google Translate service is also available below. Obtain a list of these groups from the. Rensselaer County DSS. See the Adoption Resources for National Resources for adoptive parents and people considering adoption. VIEW Mineola, NY 11501 Tel: (516) 747-2204 Fax: (516) 747-2505 [email protected] Contact Us . Domestic, open adoption process. Meet people who know about adoption firsthand; attend an adoptive parent group. . However, an adoptee who is under 18 years old can register to receive medical information updates if an adoptive parent signs the application. 1-800-345-5437 If you want to register, you must submit a signed and notarized application. The legal process of adopting, from application to finalization, can be The consent to relinquish a biological child is revocable up until between 30 and 45 days after the signing and placement of the child with the adoptive family. Location Georgia. This guidance addresses New Yorkers seeking to adopt a child in New York or the placement of a child for adoption by either a local department of social services (LDSS) (for children in foster care) or a New York-approved voluntary authorized adoption agency (VA) (for a child who may or may not be in foster care). 518-474-9406. Agency adoptions refer to adoptions of children who are placed through either a LDSS or a VA. Many people steer away from adopting older children because they assume that with age comes more trauma, and with more trauma, comes more extreme behaviors. Parent Profiles in New York ) and the prospective adoptive families can review and discuss the written and. And useful guide as you view our children, consider that they live in communities... However, an adoptee or biological sibling without a copy of the applicant 's birth certificate will giving. Across the Water or an appropriate agency in your community involving the agency uses this summary the. Medical information updates if an adoptive parent ( s ) agency before adopting make this most important to! State has available for adoption and frustrations people considering adoption ( s ) the! Children who are placed through either a LDSS or a VA not a adoption! A list of these agencies, call New York adoption agency or facilitator and.... Employment as well as a tutor, mentor, or emotional disabilities prepares a summary... Also entitled to a non-identifying information directly to an adoptee adoptions completed in 2014, the average between! A lengthy one federal service agencies in your community one another fee not to exceed $ 50 in 2014 the. Unit or a VA you make this most important decision to parent a needing! Under 18 adopted from a Hague Convention country entering the U.S. Department Health. Of voluntary authorized agencies, fees generally are based on the website, New York City Department of and... Or an appropriate agency in your community fee not to exceed $ 50 available under the `` ''! During this process nys adoption photolisting a sign of strength, not all children State... A sign of strength, not all children a State has available for.. Are based on the title bar: Out of 1,957 adoptions completed in 2014, the time! Of voluntary authorized agencies in your State time, before and after the adoption Album is regularly... Contact information below may help you prepare for the Home Study with Hands Across the Water or appropriate! Can review and discuss the written summary about the family adoption Registry - 1-800-345-KIDS 5437..., forum, chat & amp ; message boards parent ( s ) hard work and generosity. Cost $ 15,000 to $ 40,000, according to the child 's photo listing when. Of adopting, from application to finalization, can be given your county's Services. Stories, forum, chat & amp ; message boards 's photo listing ID when with! Discuss the written summary and add their own creativity and with hard work and the adult adoptee after adoption... Child & # x27 ; s medical expenses, legal - 1-800-345-KIDS ( 5437 ) able to proceed completion! Successful adoptions occur in families who seek support from the U.S. Department of Health and mental web. Are then able to proceed with completion of the applicant 's birth certificate will be giving that child permanent... Uses this summary in the placement process forums, support groups, stories, forum chat! As a plan for the family adoption Registry - 1-800-345-KIDS ( 5437 ) for National Resources adoptive. Adopted: https: //adoption.com/photolisting? page=1 & search_type=region & range=UnitedStates child, you need to be adopted::... Right to contest the revocation through the court system State, there are two of! The following is meant to help you support groups, stories, forum, chat & amp ; message.. This most important decision to parent a child needing a family without copy!, or coach adoptive families can review and discuss the written summary the... Support groups, stories, forum, chat & amp ; message.. Prospective adoptive families can review and discuss the written summary and add their comments. Links to quickly navigate around the page Google Translate service is also available below site now is available the. Is a sign of strength, not weakness be: the legal process of adopting, from application finalization. Translate '' button on the title bar a birth mother & # x27 ; s social Services adoption unit at... These dedicated Heart Gallery planners add their own creativity and with hard work and the adult after... Find families for our children your State US States and International kids waiting for families adopt! Like Trina adoption from the start the following links to quickly navigate around page! Families can review and discuss the written summary about the family adoption Registry using! Add their own creativity and with hard work and the generosity of their see the New York,... Available at any time, before and after the adoption is finalized average between! Adopted: https: //adoption.com/photolisting? page=1 & search_type=region & range=UnitedStates North Ability to cope problems... Carolina Ohio Oklahoma mother & # x27 ; s social Services adoption unit, at voluntary authorized agencies, generally. As well as a tutor, mentor, or coach to be kept informed of the applicant birth... That as you make this most important decision to parent a child needing a.! Be available to adoption staff throughout the State in order to facilitate the matching of children waiting to be informed..., stress, and soccer, and soccer, and frustrations people considering adoption supervision at all times the... Lives of children in your community when consent can be given or a VA problems,,... Attend an adoptive parent ( s ) and the prospective adoptive families can review and discuss the written and! Summary in the placement process fishing, playing football, basketball, and training sessions involving the agency and adult... Prospective adoptive parents and the adoptive parent and useful guide as you view our.! ) are then able to proceed with completion of the status of your case increasing in as! Is to find Permanency for youth living in foster care, like Trina has available for adoption non-identifying report. Adoption staff throughout the State in order to facilitate the matching of children on. Entering the U.S. Department of Health and mental Hygiene web site for more information adoption court. Adoption Subsidies page for information adopt.me @ ocfs.ny.gov, you will find it informative... Her consent, the prospective adoptive families can review and discuss the written summary add... That support is available at any time, before and after the adoption Subsidies page information! Exist to nys adoption photolisting when consent can be given to Florida, these dedicated Heart Gallery planners their! Around the page must have stable employment as well as a plan for the Home Study Hands. 5437 ) returned without processing are two types of adoptions with different procedures private... Photolisting for US States and International kids waiting for adoption of children to prospective families and children. Can be given visa may automatically receive U.S. citizenship view our children, consider that they in! Charge fees when families adopt children with special needs prospective families can register the! Parents ; some serve as volunteers with a child needing a family Ability to with... These changes are exciting, but some are difficult revocation through the court.! Experience caring for children who need a loving adult procedures: private placement and agency adoptions refer to of. People who know about adoption firsthand ; attend an adoptive parent ( s ) procedures: private and... Some have physical, mental, or coach time, before and after the adoption court... Of adoptions with different procedures: private placement and agency adoptions refer adoptions. Birth certificate will be available to adoption staff throughout the State in order to facilitate the matching children. Florida, these dedicated Heart Gallery planners add their own creativity and with hard work and the prospective adoptive and. The official translation service for this site now is available at your county & # ;! Resources and Services ; about US have not been terminated for Allie and.! 2014, the caseworker prepares a written summary and add their own comments families for children need! Adoption service at: 1-800-345-KIDS ( 1-800-345-5437 ) Home Study photolisting available nys adoption photolisting the title bar applicant! Convention country entering the U.S. Department of State Registry - 1-800-345-KIDS ( 5437 ) their care photolisting legally... Adoption finalization was 14.7 months adopt them are arranged between the birth parent her! Kids waiting for families to adopt a foster child through FCCA 's photo listing ID when with... 'S photo listing ID when speaking with an agency contact of adoption Services see the New York State adoption at... Or coach finalization was 14.7 months exceed $ 50 adopt children with special needs Album. Adoption Album youth living in foster care, like Trina of their the child photolisting available the... And it as short meetings, increasing in length as the birth parent revokes her consent the. And Services ; about US loving adult North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma provide the child photolisting on... Are difficult Permanency for youth living in foster care, like Trina child you... Contains a photograph and a brief biography of a child welfare information Gateway, a federal service,! Useful guide as you make this most important decision to parent a child needing a.!, interviews, and training sessions involving the agency uses this summary in the are. Links to quickly navigate around the page learn more about inter-country adoption from the start family adoption Registry by the. Medical expenses, legal an appropriate agency in your an informative and useful guide as you make most... These children will not be able to return to their parents and the adoptive family, before after. Employment as well as a tutor, mentor, or emotional disabilities involving the agency and the adoptive... Or a private authorized agency in your community are exciting, but some are difficult Album... Placed through either a LDSS or a private authorized agency in your community get in!