A Child is Waiting... Pub. 4801

Become a Foster Parent or Adopt a Child
A Child is Waiting...
Open Your Heart, Open Your Home

Adobe PDF Pub. 4801 (158k) Also available in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic.

Become A Foster Parent...

Open your heart and your home to a child during a time of crisis and change. As a foster parent, you will guide and support your foster child every day. By your actions, you can help a child cope with the challenges that life brings.

Foster care gives children a temporary home when their parents cannot take care of them. In foster care, a child lives in a safe, stable home while the child's family will focus on getting the assistance they need. The goal is to return the child home safely. If that is not possible, a permanent home will be found, preferably with the foster parents.

As a foster parent, you will receive training and payment based on the child's needs. You can meet and get to know other foster parents, and agency staff can give you support.

The need for foster families is urgent. In New York State, there are thousands of children in foster care; each day another child needs a foster home. Contact your county department of social services or a local foster care agency, and learn about becoming a foster parent.

Adopt A Child...

Open your heart and your home to a child who needs a permanent, loving home. As an adoptive parent, you will be giving a child another chance in life. Children who are adopted feel good about themselves by gaining the family life they deserve.

Adoption gives children a permanent home. Often foster parents choose to adopt their foster child when it is not possible for the child to return home safely. You do not need to be a foster parent to adopt a child

As an adoptive parent, you may receive an adoption subsidy if the child is eligible. You will also receive special training in the child's needs, and agency staff can give you support.

The need for adoptive families is urgent. In New York State, hundreds of children are available for adoption and waiting for a home. You can view photos of these children in The Adoption Album on our website, www.ocfs.state.ny.us/adopt/. Contact your county department of social services or a local adoption agency, and learn about adopting a child.

Who are the children in need of foster care or adoption?

They are a diverse group of African-American, Latino, and white children, including pre-teens and teens. Very few are three years old or younger. Some have disabilities and special needs. Many have brothers and sisters and need to be placed together.

To become a foster parent or adopt a child:

You do not need to be married, own your own home, earn a high income, or have previous parenting experience. You do need to be patient and loving and to provide a safe, nurturing home. You must be willing to learn about the needs of the child and receive training in parenting techniques. Most important is being able to open your heart and your home to a child who may need special attention and guidance.

Call 1-800-345-KIDS for information on becoming a foster parent or an adoptive parent. Or visit our website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us.

To become a foster parent or an adoptive parent, contact your county department of social services or a local foster care/adoption agency. In New York City, contact the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) or call (212) 676-WISH.

Contact Information

New York State Office of Children & Family Services
Capital View Office Park
52 Washington Street
Rensselaer, NY 12144

Visit our website at:
www.ocfs.state.ny.us

For child care, foster care, and adoption information, call:
1-800-345-KIDS

To report child abuse and neglect, call:
1-800-342-3720

For information on the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, call:
1-866-505-SAFE

Pub. #4801 (11/04)