Find a Foster Care Agency in New York
All foster parents in the New York must be licensed ( non relative foster care) or approved (kinship foster care) in order to provide care for children. The licensing process is slightly different for each county– and may even vary in different agencies. There are certain steps that almost everyone follows.
Foster care is provided by both private agencies and public agencies (state, county and tribal). The Coalition recommends interested parties should contact the local department of social services in their county as a first step. Some counties routinely contract their foster services to local agencies.
Choosing to work with any one particular agency is a lot like choosing a therapist. You must learn how you can locate an agency that is right for you. You must find professionals that you are comfortable working with as you will be working with them on a fairly intimate level over the course of time. One professional or agency might be right for one family but not for another. Remember, you must sift through the information everyone gives you to make an educated choice for yourself.
To find a public or private agency that is a good fit for you, your beliefs/values, and your unique situation compare information from several different agencies. Make some phone calls. Ask for more information. See who is responsive. Note who calls you back. Most will gladly provide details about their services and requirements upon request. Before selecting an agency, take the initiative to interview agency representatives by phone or in person to learn more about them. Ask questions about the children available through the agency, costs, timing, and requirements for would-be foster parents. Go online and see what other people are saying about using their services. Check out their available trainings and see if it fits into your schedule.