Seaman's Society for Children and Families
Seamen’s Society is committed to strengthening and reunifying families. Seamen's Society is a Foster Care Agency. We have treatment family foster care homes in Staten Island and Brooklyn, NY.
We're dedicated to securing the safety and well-being of the children and families entrusted to our care.
Founded in 1846, Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, a private New York nonprofit organization, is dedicated to securing the safety and well-being of the children and families entrusted to our care.
Each day, we serve over 1,250 children and over 500 families.
Our programs protect and care for our communities’ most vulnerable children, while strengthening families living with mental illness, alcohol addiction, substance abuse, domestic/intimate partner violence, and other circumstances which can threaten a child’s safety and future.
We work in a trauma-informed, compassionate manner to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve.
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
Average user rating
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Oct 08, 2022
When I was there, they cut open the diary my mom gave me so they could read my entries. And not to mention when I got punched by my foster mom and had to move they didn't keep my stuff safe. Most of my clothes, electronics, and skateboarding stuff was stolen. And when I told them Elizabetha had stole $600 from me they did nothing
Feb 11, 2022
Palma you is AWESOME!
Aug 04, 2021
It was very enlightening nothing else to say at this time. Thanks to everyone for all they do there.v
Feb 15, 2021
Very clean facility , courteous and friendly staff
Oct 22, 2020
My worker is very friendly, she explains to me the things I need to know and suggests ways to help improve my daughter's well being