CHIPP Brings Christmas Cheer

Visits take place bi-weekly between children in foster care and their incarcerated mothers on Rikers Island, but this week’s visit on Dec.15th was extra special. As they entered the meeting room at the Rose M. Singer Center, the children were escorted by Santa, Mrs. Claus and one of Santa’s helpers. The party, which is made possible through the joint efforts of NYC Children’s Services, the Department of Corrections and New Yorkers for Children, brought together 23 children and their mothers to celebrate the holidays with southern cuisine and singing.  

As the children, foster parents, Children’s Services staff and foster care caseworkers went through each security check, the excitement grew steadily, undiminished even in the confines of the maximum security venue. The party, which has been organized by the ACS Children of Incarcerated Parents Program (CHIPP) annually for the past six years, brought together mothers and their children from as far away as Georgia. As the moms and their children hugged and caught up on the latest developments in their lives, Santa’s helper read Christmas stories to the delight of the youngest children and everyone joined in singing of carols. 

Together for the holidays, mother and son enjoy a hug.

The significance of the moment was not lost on kinship foster parent Derain Charlton, who brought his grandson, Israel, to visit with his mother.  “It is nice to see that the children can keep in touch with their parents so that they can be reunited.  I hope that when they leave this place, they will keep the relationships going.”  Israel’s mother agreed: “I really miss being with my son,” she said. 

Addressing the gathering, Liz Roberts, Children’s Services Deputy Commissioner for Family Support Services, said the visiting program succeeds because of the partnership of the organizations involved.  She noted that it had been a rough year for CHIPP because of staff cuts, and she praised the staff led by director Paula Y. Fendall for their work in sustaining the program.  “These visits are powerful and important to parents and children, and we continue to support them,” she said.  She thanked NYFC for its continued support of the program, at Christmas and throughout the year.  The children received gifts donated by NYFC.

Israel, one of the children visiting with their moms at the holiday party, has the attention of DOC Commissioner Shriro, left, and ACS Deputy Commissioner Liz Roberts.

NYFC Executive Director Susan Magazine said of the visiting program was among the most satisfying work that New Yorkers for Children does with Children’s Services, due in no small part to the dedication of the CHIPP staff.  “Rejoice in your blessings with the people you love sitting next to you, and don’t let them down,” exhorted DOC Commissioner Dr. Dora Schriro. Also present at the party were NYFC Board member Susan Burden, Deputy Warden of Programs for the Rose M. Singer Center, Lisa Cooper, and DOC Program Coordinator for the ACS Visitation Program, Jeffrey G. Jackson.

CHIPP was created in 2000 to provide various services, support and technical assistance to incarcerated parents and adolescents to maintain contact with their children in care and to plan for permanency.

Young mother spends some quality time with her daughter.

NYFC Executive Director Susan Magazine and the Monsegur Family.

Monsegur Family enjoy hugs at Christmas.

For more information on NYFC programs and to donate, visit their website at www.newyorkersforchildren.org

_____________

Related Pages:

• ACS Events
• Press Releases and Newsletters