The Children's Village
The Children’s Village was founded in 1851, and today, our mission remains very much the same: We work in partnership with families to help society’s most vulnerable children so that they become educationally proficient, economically productive, and socially responsible members of their communities.
We believe that there are three keys to a child’s success: education, work, and lifelong relationships. To that end, we are passionate about education and have high expectations for our students. We help youth develop the attitudes and skills needed to enter the workforce successfully. And we believe that one strong adult relationship is a game changer for a child, particularly one in foster care. We help children develop and nurture life-long relationships with family, friends, and mentors.
In times of suffering and need, it’s our relatives that provide the most support. But many children don’t have a person to turn to when they’re alone or scared. By becoming a foster parent, you can be the person who lets a kid be a kid again.
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
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Jul 13, 2023
I absolutely hate the way some of the foster parents treat their kids. I had came to just visit the place and see what it’s like, and I saw this lady pulling and yelling at her foster child, which is RIDICULOUSLY DISGUSTING. I hope this place gets taken down, they just try so hard to take away poor innocent children from their homes, so sad. Not to mention, some of the workers are really ignorant and rude.
Feb 18, 2023
Friendly people, always a clean location
Jan 22, 2019
me and my children might as well went to gang members, drug dealers, and other criminals on the streets. THeir consults would have probably benefited my family better. If we could have gotten what we've asked for, my children will , probably would not be in the situations they are currently in. Unfavorable choice !one of the worst place ever to work with children and families.
May 29, 2017
My problem is with the location. As long as the child is separated from family, isn't there a place where you can be among trees and lakes.
I know all the problems that come with housing young people but take a chance on them and teach them something about the outdoors.
Mar 13, 2017
I'm a foster youth that is CURRENTLY IN THIS AGENCY . Yes they OFFER many opportunities for the youth to grow and build as they get older but their approach is terrible. The people are terrible the Social workers barley do their jobs their supervisors just sit on their ass. I have been with this agency for more than 3 years and they have done nothing but disappoint me . I've ran away sevral time only to come back because the only thing they are good for is making sure that monthly allowance is in your pocket straight ridiculous