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The Harlem-Dowling Children's Service

Second Annual
A. Philip Randolph Award Dinner

honoring

Elizabeth Taylor Warner

Harlem-Dowling Children's Service was first opened in 1969 and is the only Black voluntary adoption and foster care agency of its kind in the New York City area.

Prior to the opening of Harlem-Dowling, approximately 85% of the unwed mothers in the Central Harlem area received no services in planning for their children. Spencer-Chapin Services to Families and Children, which is nationally known for it services to children of all ethnic backgrounds, was asked to give its financial support and expertise to thee establishment of a child caring agency in Central Harlem, which would eventually become autonomous.

Harlem-Dowling services a geographical area that extends the entire width of Manhattan Island from the Hudson River to the East River, and that runs sixty-five blocks North and South from 159th Street down to 96th Street. These are not hard and fast boundary lines. While most of those who seek help come from the area described above, our services are available to everyone, regardless of ethnic background, economic or marital status.

Harlem-Dowling also offers guidance, counselling and tangible assistance to mothers and fathers, whether wed or unwed...informed help for prospective adoptive couples...placement of children in adoption and foster care...screen and qualifying of potential foster parents...help with applying for adoption subsidies...supportive help for drug addicted natural mothers and interested family members...training for social work students working toward advanced degrees and supportive therapy.

Our philosophy is to screen families in rather than screen them out.

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