Become a Foster Parent

Families Thrive

Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding way to support children who need a placement outside of their biological family temporarily. Becoming a foster parent involves several important steps to ensure you are equipped with NYS regulatory support and training to best meet the responsibilities involved.

Here is a general guide on how to become a foster parent:

1. Research Foster Care

Understand the Process: Learn about the foster care system, the distinct types of foster care (e.g., therapeutic, emergency, respite), and the needs of children in foster care.
Assess Your Readiness: Reflect on your motivations for fostering and consider how fostering might impact your family, lifestyle, and resources.
Reach out and schedule an informational meeting: Meet with one of our certified home finders and learn about the process and ask any questions you may have. We offer group and individual sessions.

2. Meet Basic Requirements

There are no requirements regarding marital status, sexual orientation, religion, or beliefs. You must be willing to dedicate your time, heart, and home to the children in your care and be over 18 years old.

Background Checks: You and all adult members of your household will need to undergo background checks, including criminal history and child abuse checks.
Health Assessments: NYS requires health evaluations to ensure you can meet the physical demands of fostering.

3. Select an Agency & Complete the Application Process

Locate & Select the Right Organization: This will be a crucial step to ensure success. Once you select the agency you will complete an application
Provide References: You will need to provide three references per applicant from people who can vouch for your character and suitability as a foster parent.

4. Enroll & Complete Training

Specialized Training: Therapeutic foster parents undergo specialized training to support children who have experienced trauma and loss. There is a mandatory New York State 30-hour training course known as the National Training & Development Curriculum (NTDC) in a 10-week series. This training covers various topics, including child development, trauma-informed care, behavior management, and the foster care system. Additional training is provided by our team of licensed therapeutic professionals. Twenty additional hours per calendar year are required to remain certified.

5. Home Study

Participation in a Home Study: Agency conducts a required home study to assess your living situation, family dynamics, and readiness to foster. This process involves interviews, home visits, and safety assessment of the home.

6. Certification & Placement readiness

Obtain a Foster Care License: If you complete the training and home study successfully, you will receive a foster care license or approval from your agency, which will allow you to start fostering children when the agency contacts you to request your acceptance.

7. Additional Considerations

Financial Support: Foster parents receive a stipend to help cover the costs of caring for the child. The amount and availability of financial support can vary by state and agency.
Adoption Options: If reunification with the birth family is not possible, some foster parents may have the option to adopt the child.

Becoming a foster parent is a significant commitment that requires preparation and support, but it can also be an incredibly fulfilling way to make a positive impact on a child’s life. Each state and agency may have specific requirements, so it is essential to consult local resources for the most accurate and detailed information.