In a groundbreaking move, Michelle Odom, a former foster care recipient herself, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Odom's remarkable journey from being in foster care to leading the state's child welfare agency is a testament to her determination and resilience. As Commissioner, she will oversee a system that serves over 450,000 children and families across New York, including those in foster care, child protective services, and juvenile justice. With her personal experience and professional expertise, Odom is poised to bring a unique perspective to the role, potentially driving reforms and improvements in the state's child welfare system.


She Was Once in Foster Care. Now She Will Run Child Welfare in New York.  The New York Times