Our Mission
Blessings in Transformation seeks to abolish the family policing system by advancing policies that divest from systems of criminalization while building community-based alternatives to state intervention. We provide holistic, parent-led advocacy, pre-petition support, and rapid response resource assistance to families in New York State.
Our Vision
Blessings in Transformation envisions a world where children and families have the resources, support, and community they need to thrive and to address harm without family policing, surveillance, and separation. We believe that all caregivers–whether they be parents, family members, foster or adoptive resources–have a critical role to play in our movement to resist and dismantle the family policing system.
What We Are Up Against
The so-called “child welfare” system is not about the welfare of children. Instead, it functions as a system of policing, surveillance, and separation. This is why we call it the family policing system.
The family policing system disproportionately targets low-income, Black and Brown families. In 2019, almost 45% of Black and Latine children in New York City experienced a family policing investigation. This is nearly the double rate of white children. And while Black and Latine children account for 60% of New York City’s child population, they represent about 90% of children in the city’s foster system.
The vast majority of family policing cases stem from what the government defines as neglect, a term that is synonymous with poverty. That is not to say that harm does not happen within families, it does–but the system’s response only makes it worse for children and families. Families need support to access to resources, and tools for healing and accountability. They do not need surveillance and separation.
In nearly every case, connecting a family to non-punitive support and resources is what would best keep their child safe. But rather than providing such assistance, the system investigates, surveils, threatens, and separates our families. Throughout the process, it separates children from their parents, pits foster resources, family members, and parents against one another, and perpetuates harm for the child.
It takes a village to raise our children, but the family policing system destroys the village.
Taking care of each other is the only way forward.
Abolitionist Principles in Practice
Centering Families’ Humanity and Autonomy
We treat families as whole and capable rather than inherently "at-risk" or deficient. Parent advocates—individuals with lived experience in the family policing system—are at the forefront of decision-making.
Avoiding Carceral Logic
We reject partnerships with agencies or organizations that directly collaborate with the family police, law enforcement, or the courts, ensuring families can access support without fear of surveillance or punishment. Alternatives like community-led conflict resolution, harm reduction, and transformative justice are central to its approach.
Addressing Structural Inequities
Recognizing that poverty and systemic racism drive most family separations, we work to address these root causes by providing material support (e.g., rental assistance, groceries) and advocating for systemic change.
Empowering Communities
We prioritize community-based solutions and builds partnerships with mutual aid networks, and grassroots organizations. The goal is to strengthen communities so families can rely on each other rather than state systems.
Transforming Relationships
We work to repair the harm caused by the family policing system, facilitating reunification where possible and helping families heal through culturally affirming and trauma-informed practices.