Get to Know Ericka François

Care 4 Software • October 8, 2024

Care4 Software and Fair Futures Create Integrated Solution for NYC Foster Care Agencies

Care4 Software, the premier software platform for evidenced-based treatment practices has partnered with Fair Futures, an evidence-based treatment model for a coalition of child welfare agencies, non-profits, foundations, advocates, and young adults. Fair Futures successfully launched the model citywide at all 26 foster care agencies in December 2019.

Fair Futures • September 1, 2023

Fair Futures Case Study

How System-Impacted Youth Advocates Fought for a “Fair Future” in NYC & Achieved Public Funding to Scale a Youth-Centered Model Systemwide.

ABC7 New York • July 22, 2022

CASA NYC looks for more volunteers to help advocate for foster kids in court on Staten Island

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Children in foster care are some of New York City's most vulnerable residents, and volunteers with the organization CASA NYC are on a mission to make sure young people in the system are taken care of and their rights protected. But they can't do it all alone. Francois aged out of the New York City foster system four years ago, and she says there was one person who truly had her back."It's like an angel who came down from heaven, honestly," she said.

PR News Wire • September 21, 2021

Care4 Software and Fair Futures of New York City Create Integrated Solution for Coalition of 26 New York Foster Care Agencies

EDMONDS, Wash., and NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Care4 Software, the premier software platform for evidence-based treatment practices, has partnered with Fair Futures, an evidence-based treatment model for a coalition of child welfare agencies, non-profits, foundations, advocates, and young adults. In December 2019, Fair Futures successfully launched the model citywide at all 26 foster care agencies.

Manhattan Times News • January 28, 2021

When a Life Coach is a Lifeline – Manhattan Times News

A life coach is no luxury. Not for foster youth in New York City’s Fair Futures program, which provides support, including dedicated life coaches, to individuals between the ages of 11 and 21. Launched in 2019 at all 26 foster care agencies in New York City, the program has so far connected over 3,000 young people with one-on-one coaches, tutors, employment, and housing specialists.

Administration for Children's Services • December 8, 2020

Providing Young People With Coaching and Tutoring Can Help Put Them On a Better Pathway to Becoming Successful Adults

NYC ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES MARKS ONE YEAR OF THE ‘FAIR FUTURES’ INITIATIVE, CONNECTING THOUSANDS OF NYC YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE WITH DEDICATED COACHES, TUTORS & OTHER EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

YR Media • September 17, 2020

What Is It Like to Age Out of Foster Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Struggles with housing and economic woes are already expected for youth who age out of the foster care system, but these challenges have only worsened during the coronavirus pandemic, especially in New York.

New York Daily News • February 27, 2020

Readers Sound off on Fair Futures, the Democratic Debate and Coronavirus

As Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner David Hansell said, New York can keep moving in the right direction by improving outcomes for children in foster care. I couldn’t agree more, especially for those of us who age out of the system. We’re expected to become adults overnight but that can’t happen without the proper support and guidance.

The New Paltz Oracle • October 31, 2019

What Does it Mean to Practice Positive Masculinity? - The New Paltz Oracle

“We don’t do any introductions here. What we’d like to imagine the space to be is completely horizontal, so everyone is equal,” were the words that Joel Oppenheimer, senior counselor at the Psychological Counseling Center, used to begin the masculinity themed workshop.

Laguardia Community College's The Bridge • September 20, 2019

Forbidden Journey of Adoption Through Foster Care

Adoption through foster care was once deemed unlawful and forbidden by the state of New York, thus forcing children who were in the custody of these families for years to endure the uncertainty of where they would sleep next.

FYSA NY • January 9, 2019

Advocacy Day 2019 Recap | Fostering Youth Success Alliance

On Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 more than 60 college-age foster youth joined child welfare workers and other advocates for Fostering Youth Success Alliance’s (FYSA) annual advocacy day in Albany. Advocates met with dozens of senators and assembly members to share their stories and stress the importance of full funding for New York State’s Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI).

Laguardia Community College's The Bridge • July 2, 2018

When Life Hands You Lemons

Ericka Francois was placed into foster care by the Administration for Child Services after it was discovered that she was being abused by her mother. Children placed in the foster care system do not normally find success in foster care. Ms. Francois, however, found her niche.

Children's Aid NYC • February 14, 2018

Prioritizing Foster Youth College Success | Children's Aid

On January 29 and 30, more than 100 student activists traveled to Albany from every corner of the state. Why? Because their ability to get a college degree might be in jeopardy.

FYSA NY • January 30, 2018

Foster Youth Seek Continued Support for College Opportunities | Fostering Youth Success Alliance

Executive Budget Proposal Falls Short of Need; Advocates Seek Legislative Support to Ensure Youth in Care Successfully Complete College. Hundreds of college-age foster youth across New York traveled to Albany on Tuesday, January 29, asking legislators and state officials to continue supporting the Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI).