New York State Adoption Service

Claim Listing

Do you own this business? Claim this listing to add more information.

Contact Information

52 Washington Street
Room 332 North
Rensselaer, NY 12144
United States

Online Contact Form
DayHours
Monday9AM - 5PM
Tuesday9AM - 5PM
Wednesday9AM - 5PM
Thursday9AM - 5PM
Friday9AM - 5PM
Saturday9AM - 5PM
Sunday9AM - 5PM

Social Media

Foster parents play an essential role in providing temporary, safe, and nurturing homes for children when their parents are unable to care for them.

The number of children in foster care in New York State has decreased from 53,902 children in 1995 to 15,016 as of December 31, 2020.

OCFS provides comprehensive information about New York State’s foster care system, the needs of children in temporary, out-of-home placement, and the qualifications and requirements prospective foster parents must meet. Our resources and publications, in English, Spanish and other languages, provide more information on how to become a foster or adoptive parent. We must remain ever vigilant to give our children the best care and support, while bringing permanency and stability to their lives.


Services and information

  • Traditional Foster Care
  • Emergency Foster Care
  • Respite Foster Care
  • Adoption
  • Other

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

No reviews are available yet for this agency. If you have worked with them, please leave a review for this agency!