Hi there,

“I keep asking questions about why the children in my home are in foster care? I’m not getting an answer.

Do I have a right to know?

There is no New York State statute requiring agencies and/or departments to provide you with this information, in fact you may be told that many details are protected by confidentiality.

That being said – you can argue in order to fulfill your role as a foster parent (and as a substitute parent, a formal member of the treatment team, a primary treatment provider for the child, a role model and teacher for the biological parent(s), a facilitator of visitations and an advocate for the child), at the time a child is placed with you, you have the right to have–and the professional obligation to find out–information which will enable you to do the best possible job.

Foster parents do have a right to receive notice of all hearings affecting their foster child’s interests. This will enable you to participate in legal proceedings. In New York State, Family Court is an “open court” therefore foster parents can attend most court proceedings having to do with the children in their care. Only the Judge can ultimately exclude you from the courtroom.