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WALK IN THE
FOOTSTEPS
OF HISTORY
HISTORIC: Discover French, British and
Native influences on American History.
AUTHENTIC: Interact with educated
re-enactors, engaging exhibits and
enlightening programs.
SCENIC: Explore original 18th century
buildings overlooking the Niagara River,
Lake Ontario and Canada.
OLD FORT NIAGARA
Youngstown, NY
(716) 745-7611
www.oldfortniagara.org
Located in Fort Niagara State Park,
just a short drive away via the
Niagara Scenic Parkway.
Parenting Resources Parenting Resources
BREASTFEEDING
n La Leche League International
www.lllusa.org
La Leche League has several groups
meeting in WNY as well as leaders who
are available to answer your questions
about breastfeeding. If you are unable
to find a leader in your area, call
1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324).
Amherst • Cynthia, 716-989-7070;
Cindy, 716-835-7504.
East Aurora • Karen, 716-652-0225.
Hamburg/West Seneca • Kimberly,
716-997-4662; Amanda, 716-220-1597.
Niagara Falls • Christine, 716-523-1143.
CHILD SUPPORT
ASSISTANCE
n Child Support Enforcement (CSE)
Erie Co. Dept. of Social Services
Rath Building, 7th Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
Helpline: 888-208-4485 (8am-7pm)
CSE can help locate the non-custodial
parent, help parents establish paternity
if either has any doubt about the iden-
tity of a child’s biological father, help the
custodial parent file a petition in Family
Court for an order of support, and en-
forces a child support order when the
non-custodial parent does not pay.
The child support enforcement pro-
gram has legislative authority to collect
overdue child support (arrears) and to
obtain medical coverage through a vari-
ety of administrative procedures. Some
administrative procedures can be put
into action without going to court.
Noncustodial parents who fail to pay
child support can be subject to having
the funds automatically deducted from
their wages; unemployment payments,
federal and/or state tax refunds, and lot-
tery winnings can be intercepted; finan-
cial assets, including bank accounts,
can be seized. Delinquent noncustodial
parents can also have their NY State
drivers license suspended and can be
prevented from obtaining or renewing
their passports.
For further information about Child Sup-
port Services in New York State visit
www.newyorkchildsupport.com.
DIVORCE SUPPORT
n NY State Parent Education &
Awareness Program
http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/parent-ed/
Launched in 2005, and offered under
the auspices of Catholic Charities
of Buffalo here in WNY, this program
is designed to educate divorcing or
separating parents about the impact
of their breakup on their children. The
primary goal is to teach parents ways
they can reduce the stress of family
changes and protect their children from
the negative effects of ongoing parental
conflict in order to foster and promote
their children’s healthy adjustment and
development. Topics addressed in the
Parenting & Child Well-Being portion of
the curriculum include:
1) Creating and Maintaining Support-
ive Parent-Child Relationships
2) Providing a Stable, Supportive
Home Environment
3) Maintaining Healthy Parental
Functioning & Psychological Well-Being
4) Protecting Children from Ongoing
Conflict Between Parents.
An overview of the Legal Process is
also included.
In Erie County, there are “Our Kids: A
Parent Education & Awareness Pro-
gram” class locations in Amherst, Buf-
falo, and Hamburg; contact Amy Morris,
716-896-6390 ext. 3105 or email amy.
[email protected].
In Niagara County, there are class lo-
cations in Niagara Falls and Lockport;
contact Marie Ross, 716-282-2351 or
email [email protected].
If you live in any other county, visit
the web site for a list of providers.
n New York State Council on
Divorce Mediation
http://nysmediate.org/
Divorce mediation is a voluntary, co-
operative settlement process in which
a neutral professional helps you make
practical, informed decisions to resolve
your differences. It is used frequently
and successfully by separating and di-
vorcing couples who want to plan their
futures rationally, in an atmosphere of
cooperation and mutual respect. With
the guidance of a trained mediator, you
work together through a series of or-