RHF invests in transformative strategies that ensure children and families can thrive together in well-resourced communities across New York. We oppose oppressive surveillance tactics that fracture families in the name of child welfare. We champion the voices of system-impacted people and advocate for sharing power with those directly affected by government overreach to identify concrete solutions that uphold parental rights and expand community-driven support to families.
THERE IS A GROWING CONSENSUS:
It’s time to reexamine and reimagine our approach to child and family well-being.
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RHF’s grantmaking centers on achieving equity and justice for New York families. We back efforts to eliminate racial and socioeconomic discrimination and punitive policies that disrupt children and families. We call for an end to family policing and the expansion of community-driven supports that keep New York families intact and ensure that the small percentage of children at risk of physical harm remain safe and supported.
TRUST IN COMMUNITY.
INVEST IN FAMILIES.
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Our modified philanthropic approach reflects community priorities and the expertise of those with lived experience. RHF will continue to be an ally for system change and family success. We will focus more intently on strengthening the growing movement to shrink the scope and scale of family regulation and break the cycle of family disruption, structural racism, and intergenerational trauma inflicted by current CPS policies and practices
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Understanding the Impact of New York Child Welfare on Families
As we deepen investments in three strategic areas, we also acknowledge the need to continue our long-standing commitment to supporting initiatives that help children and youth in and exiting the foster system heal, connect, and grow.
We encourage community organizers, lived experience experts, child advocates, and other philanthropic organizations to join us in the fight for family justice.
LEARN MORE:
Read the RHF Strategic Funding Vision Overview and our Commitment to Equity Statement reflecting our approach to trust-based philanthropy.