Foster A Better World... Become a Foster Parent
Are You Ready to Start Your Journey as a Foster Parent?
Our Foster Care Program helps children who are unable to live with their birth parents or relatives. Most children are in need of short-term care while their families receive services and work toward reunification.
The primary goal of the program is to take the necessary steps to reunite children with their birth families whenever possible. If that goal is out of reach, foster parents help a child prepare for kinship, adoption, or independent living.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) certifies the Foster Care Program for children ranging in age from birth to 21.
The Journey to Foster Parenting
Step 1
Submit an application online here or via email or mail. Once you complete the application you will be contacted by a Foster Family Specialist to discuss the next steps.
Step 2
Orientation takes place soon after the completed application is received/reviewed. You will learn more about the roles and responsibilities of foster parents and the process you will need to go through to foster.
Step 3
This free 10-week class is mandatory for all adults that will have a parenting role in a foster home. The MAPP program examines 12 criteria or skills necessary for successful foster parenting.
Step 4
We obtain the results of the criminal history record checks before you are approved or certified for the placement of a foster child.
Step 5
Foster parents are certified/approved when the home study, State Central Registry clearance, criminal history record review process, and the trainings are completed.
Step 6
Once you're a certified foster parent, you can welcome foster children to your home. You are now part of a team that works together for the future of children and their families.
A Foster Family Specialist will contact you after your application is submitted.
Upcoming Foster Care Events
Utica Foster Care
Foster Parent MAPP Class: March 22 - May 24, 2023 from 5:30-8:30 PM weekly - IN PERSON
For any questions, please contact Shannon at 315.272.7286 or 315.235.7746
Watertown Foster Care
Foster Parent MAPP Class: January 9 - March 27, 2023 from 6:00-9:00 PM weekly - IN PERSON
For any questions, please contact Susan at 315.782.8064 x4029
Types of Foster Care
Traditional Foster Care
Case planning and physical health coordination services. Respite and emergency housing are also provided. Families receive monthly home visits.
Kinship Foster Care
Consists of the raising of children by a family member or a person within their support system, instead of placing the child in foster care.
Therapeutic Foster Care
Counseling, respite, case management, 24/7 on-call crisis response, psychiatric and psychological consultation, physical health coordination, and assessment/treatment planning. Families receive weekly visits.
Respite Foster Care
Provides temporary care for a foster child. Many times, a foster family will temporarily care for another families foster child(ren). A respite can last up to 21 days at a time.
