Foster Care

The Children's Services Unit is responsible for providing trauma informed safe and loving homes for children and teens who are temporarily removed from their birth families. Foster care caseworkers work with birth parents, children and foster parents/direct custodians with the goal of reunification of children with the birth families. Caseworkers also work with group homes and residential treatment centers that provide services for children and teens who need a higher level of structure. Specialized Services are provided for youth between the ages of 14 and 21 to connect them with a significant adult resource and prepare them for independence at the age of 21.

Enrolment form

 

Independent Living Services

Specialized services are provided for youth between the ages of 14 and 21 to connect them with a significant adult resource and prepare them for independence.

Adoption Unit

The Adoption Unit works with children who cannot be reunited with birth parents.  Children are then either adopted by their present foster parents or placed in suitable adoptive homes. Adoption is finalized through Family Court.

Post-Adoption

Post-Adoption services are vital to adoptive families. Resources and information about post-adoption services can be found on the website of the New York State Office for Children and Family Services:  OCFS


The Foster Care team is looking for caring individuals who are interested in making a difference in a child or teens life.  Rockland County DSS welcomes foster and adoptive parents from all backgrounds!

What should I know about Foster Parenting?

The goal for most children and teens in Foster Care is to be reunited with their birth parents. Foster families work closely with birth parents, caseworkers, service providers and the courts to achieve this goal. The length of time a child or teen will stay with you depends on many factors. It could be for a few days, a few months or much longer.  It is important to note that medical and dental costs are covered for children and teens in foster care. Teens in foster care are eligible for programs to help them learn life skills and may be eligible for some college financial assistance.

Foster Care provides children and teens age newborn to 21 with temporary, safe, loving homes, when their own families are unable to care for them.

Foster Parents become part of a countywide team working together to support, nurture, and protect children.  Becoming a Foster Parent is a commitment that will have a meaningful impact on the life of a child or teen.

Who Can Qualify and Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent?

Potential Foster Parents are:

  • At least 21 years old.
  • Cohabitating, married or single.
  • Willing to have background checks, including all household members 18 and older.
  • Able to support themselves.
  • Able to provide a safe and healthy home.
  • Willing to work in partnership to reunite child and teens with their birth parent.
  • Willing to consider adoption if reunification is not possible.


What Support is Provided to the Foster Parents?

  • A monthly stipend for food, clothing and board, based on the child or teens age and need for special services.
  • Medicaid Managed Care insurance for the child or teen.
  • Payment for daycare for working Foster Parents.
  • Support from individual caseworker and a team of service providers.
  • Ongoing Trauma Informed training to learn about caring for children and teens in Foster Care.
  • Support from experienced Foster Parents.


Who Are The Children and Teens Who Come Into Foster Care?

  • They are between the ages of newborn and 18. They represent all ethnic groups.
  • They are from Rockland County.
  • They may have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or maltreatment.
  • They may have been voluntarily placed by their parents who were unable to provide for them.
  • They may have physical and/or emotional needs and need special care.
  • They may be very intelligent or need special schooling.
  • They may be an only child or have siblings needing placement together.
  • They may be teen parents.


Financial Support for Foster Parents - https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/managing-finances-as-a-foster-parent/

Financial Empowerment for Youth Who Have Aged Out of Foster Care - https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/resources-for-foster-youth-aging-out/


The Foster Care & Adoption Team looks forward to hearing from you, please call us at 845-364-3546 or 845-364-3535.