Family Connections, Inc.
With over thirty years of combined adoption experience, our New York adoption agency is prepared to provide you with the information that will help you choose your adoption path. Adoption information can often be confusing, overwhelming, and outdated; let us help you sort it out.
Family Connections, Inc., is a not-for-profit, New York State-authorized private adoption agency that has been caring for families through domestic and international adoption since 1994. We are dedicated to supporting birth parents, adoptive parents, and children touched by adoption throughout the life-long journey of adoption. Authorized by the New York Office of Children & Family Services and Hague Accredited by the Council on Accreditation
Services and information
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
Raising foster children is a rewarding and life-changing experience. You can make a real difference in a child's life, helping them on a path toward success.
Remember that fostering affects the whole family, so talk to your partner and biological children if you're considering this journey. Learn more about what to expect and ensure it fits your lifestyle. You must be healthy and have enough time and energy to care for a child and meet their needs. This is important for gaining foster parent approval because every child must have this foundation of support.
Each state has requirements for foster parents. In New York, applicants must:
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Live in a safe and stable environment
- Have enough space for a foster child
- Show financially stability
- Prove that all family members are in good health
- Pass a background check
- Clear a home safety inspection
- Attend required foster parent training
- Complete the Home Study process
- Provide a minimum of three character references
Foster families in New York can rent or own their homes. Adults can become foster parents no matter their marital or divorce status. All adults who are living in the home with foster children must pass the New York required criminal background check. Every adult must complete both state and federal background checks and undergo fingerprinting.
Interested candidates can make the first call to foster services and get the approval and licensing process started. Contact the New York Office of Children and Family Services (NYOCFS) or your local Department of Social Services (DSS). The first step after expressing interest will be to attend a foster orientation. Potential foster parents can learn about the approval process at the event and get questions answered by a foster child advocate.
The foster parent training requirement begins with pre-service training. After getting licensed, foster parents must participate in ongoing training and educational programs.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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Sep 19, 2018
We have had a positive working relationship with Family Connections for many years and have enjoyed working with their clients. They are friendly, professional, organized and very responsive
Aug 21, 2018
This is an agency that truly cares deeply for both parties, the birth parents and the adoptive parents. They are ethical, genuine and kind, something that is surprisingly difficult to find in an agency. You aren’t just a number to them, you become friends and develop wonderful relationships with the whole team! I recommend you give them or call or better yet set up an in person meeting and you will see what I’m talking about! I highly recommend them!
Feb 09, 2018
I can not speak highly enough about Family Connections. If you are considering adoption, or placing a child for adoption, please look no further. The professionalism, love, compassion, empathy!!! ( I can go on and on. ) that I experienced was, and is phenomenal. I adopted a newborn baby, as a gay, single parent, eighteen years ago. I look at my beautiful son, and tears come to my eyes! If it wasn't for Anita, and Daniel, and of course God, I wouldn't have my family. Anita took the time to get to know me, and believe in me. Thank you Anita, Daniel, and if Laurie, my social worker, at the time is reading this. Thank you again, for all the love! I love you all, so much! Again, if you're looking for the right adoption agency. Stop looking, you have truly found the best!!!
Love you,
Anthony Adam Conti
Nov 18, 2017
I'm not sure how or why I searched on this sight tonight except to reflect how truly grateful I am for Anita & Family's Through Adoption. My son was born many years ago & I have his birth mother & FTA to thank. People use to ask me, why adopt when you have a biological daughter? Silly question! Anita always answered my calls... I would ask about foreign adoption, my family grew..... I'm so greatful to FTA & birth mother's. Wether you decide to be in contact or not, you will do what's right for your child. It may take time but you will all be connected, bless everyone involved! Thank you Anita, from the bottom of my heart for my family! ❤ I would be happy to help others with questions or concerns. Caroline Creaser