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Take Action

Become a Foster Parent

Donate Get Involved Legacy Giving The Fitzgibbon Society Become a Foster Parent Junior Board Volunteer

Be Kind. Be Brave. Be a Foster Parent.

The Foundling is one of New York City’s largest providers of foster care, and we partner with our dedicated foster families to provide support, resources, and training as they care for children who have been placed in foster care and need love, support, and stability.

Interested in becoming a foster parent? It’s easy to get started – read about our caregiving options and learn how to get connected below!


Child Welfare

A Helping Hand

Foster care provides a safe, loving, and supportive home for children who are unable to live with their parents. Children in foster care come from all ethnic groups and range from birth to 21 years old.

Foster parents are:

  • 21 years of age or older
  • Legal residents of the United States
  • Individuals or families with stable housing and an annual income that can support adding a child to their home

Most importantly, foster parents care about helping children who need a home and support. Because the service our foster parents provide is so essential to the well-being of our children, we carefully screen every prospective foster parent.

We offer two meaningful ways to support children and families, each with a distinct focus and commitment:

  • Foster Parents provide longer-term care for children who have been removed from their homes due to safety concerns or other challenges. They offer stability, guidance, and a nurturing environment while working toward family reunification or another permanent solution.
  • Respite Caregivers offer short-term, therapeutic care for children ages 7–17 whose families are experiencing acute behavioral crises. These caregivers provide a safe and supportive home for up to 30 days while the child and their family engage in intensive treatment designed to stabilize and strengthen the family unit.

Both routes have the same eligibility criteria and certification process. Learn more below!

mother with two children at home

Child Welfare

Become a Foster Parent

Our foster parents provide homes and support to children of all ages and needs. We especially look for foster parents interested in fostering teenagers, children with disabilities, sets of siblings, and youth from the LGBTQ community. Foster parents are expected to take care of children for an indefinite length of time – it could be a short-term or long-term placement, depending on the child’s age, the process of reunification with their biological families, and other factors.

As a foster parent with The New York Foundling, you receive:

  • Financial subsidy for the child
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Comprehensive services coordinated for each child in foster care, including counseling and health insurance
  • Ongoing training
  • Events, social gathering, and support groups
Download the Brochure

Get Started:

Attend a Foster Parent Orientation
Click here for information on upcoming virtual sessions.

Create a New York Foundling Binti Account
Sign up here to request additional information, access online forms, and begin your Foster Parent Application.

Phone Phone

Call our Foster Parent Recruitment Helpline
888-847-2838

Email Us
FosterParentSupport@NYFoundling.org

Child Welfare

Become a Respite Caregiver

Our respite caregivers work within our Family Respite Care program to provide short-term care and intervention for older children struggling with behavioral issues. Respite Caregivers make their homes available to young people ages 7-17, for a short-term period (0-30 days) while the child and their family undergo intensive treatment to resolve immediate issues.

When a child is in the home, respite caregivers are responsible for day-to-day caretaking, school attendance, transportation, ensuring that they attend all necessary appointments, and help facilitate GenPTMO evidence-based treatment in the home.

As a respite caregiver with The New York Foundling, you receive:

  • A monthly financial stipend (with additional funds for the days that a child is in the home)
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Comprehensive services coordinated by The Foundling’s team
  • Ongoing training
  • Events, social gathering, and support groups
Download the Flyer

Get Started:

Email Us
FamilyRespite@NYFoundling.org

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Upcoming Information Sessions

DID YOU KNOW
After completing the Healthy Families program, families reported a decrease in family stress and stronger family relationships

Resources

Open your home to a child in need of love, support and stability. Click here to get started on completing the New York City Foster Parent Application Form.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, call 888-847-2838 or email us at foster.parentsupport@nyfoundling.org

HISTORY
1869
October 11, 1869

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