Become a Foster Parent at New York Foundling:

There are an estimated 134,000 children in foster care. We need loving, self-sufficient individuals and families with the ability to offer children expert temporary care. Foster parents must be financially independent adult individuals who can provide a nurturing family environment; a subsidy is available for the care of children. Foster parents must speak English, and we are always looking for bilingual foster parents who speak English and Spanish, or other languages. We need homes for boys and girls of all ages, from infants, to adolescents, from a variety of cultures and nationalities. Children may be African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Eastern European. Some need to be placed together with siblings or, in the case of young teen mothers, with their babies. Many of our children have developmental disabilities and special medical and emotional needs for which we provide special training.

We need foster care homes in the following areas:

• Bronx: Mott Haven, Highbridge
• Manhattan: Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights
• Queens: Elmhurst, Sunnyside, Corona, Astoria, Ridgewood
• Staten Island: North Island
• Rockland County
• Westchester County

Foster parenting requires the full and complete care of children, including keeping medical, mental health and court appointments and making sure children attend school, eat well, play, and visit their parents, siblings and extended families. Foster parenting is a challenging, but extremely rewarding experience.

In our efforts to ensure children are sent to loving, supportive homes, New York Foundling fully assesses all potential foster parents through a "home study" process that includes reviews of living space, health histories, financial profiles, and character references. To ensure the safety of each child we place, any adult living in a potential foster home must undergo a medical assessment clearance through New York State 's Central Register that monitors the incidents of child abuse and the histories of child abusers. Candidates must also be fingerprinted and complete required training.

We offer support to our foster care homes

• Financial assistance for the care of all children
• Additional financial assistance for children who need special care
• Expert training and casework services
• Medical care and coverage for each child
• Foster parent support groups that provide additional peer advice and support