May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children and youth in foster care and to recognize the dedicated individuals who support them. Recognized by Congress, this annual observance acknowledges the contributions of child welfare professionals, parents, family members, foster parents, mentors, policymakers, and community members who help children in foster care find permanent homes and connections.
The Child Welfare Information Gateway, as part of the U.S. Children’s Bureau (CB), provides resources to support National Foster Care Month. For more information about National Foster Care Month and resources for foster care, please visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway Official Website and their page about National Foster Care Month. These resources focus on helping transition-age youth prepare for life after foster care:
- Resources for collaborative support of youth leaving foster care
- “Reflections: Stories of Foster Care” series featuring family and youth experiences
- Financial toolkits for youth “aging out” of the system
- Testimonials highlighting the importance of support systems
The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) offers pathways for individuals interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents. Foster parents provide essential care for children who have experienced abuse and neglect, working as part of a team that includes the child, the child’s family, foster care agencies, and the Family Court. New York City particularly needs foster parents willing to care for children with high needs, sibling groups, teenagers, and young adults.
ACS welcomes foster parents from all backgrounds and encourages LGBTQ-affirming families who support children’s faith, culture, race, and identity. To learn about becoming a foster or adoptive parent in NYC, visit the ACS “Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent” page. To become a foster parent, one will need to :
- Contact the WISH Line at 877-676-WISH (9474) or request an information packet online
- Attend an orientation with one of ACS’s foster care providers and complete an application
- Complete two modules of Pre-Service Training: Model Approach to Partnerships and Parenting (MAPP) and Trauma Responsive Informed Parenting Program (TRIPP)
- Undergo medical clearance for all household members
- Complete background checks for all adults in the home through various databases
- Participate in a home study process that takes approximately four months
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) also provides support for foster care services throughout the state. They are committed to protecting and strengthening children, families, and communities through various programs:
- Resources for reporting and preventing child abuse and maltreatment
- Information on how to become a foster parent or adopt a child in New York State
- The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
- Support resources for youth to help them achieve positive outcomes and self-sufficiency
- Training and effective practices for child welfare professionals
For statewide resources and programs, explore the OCFS website or call 1-800-345-KIDS (5437).
