Foster Parent Recruitment

… love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved.

Thomas Merton

Children come in all shapes, hues, and sizes and from varied situations. Yet, what never changes is the desire to experience love, caring, safety and protection. In many instances, the most precious gifts that have been given to us unfortunately have experienced the most trauma.

It really doesn’t matter if the child is 19 days old or 19 years old, the need to be loved never changes. Some children no longer trust that there are people who really care about them, especially since their immediate families did not. Then there are some whose lives are transformed by strangers, relatives or caring caretakers, who provide for them in their hearts and homes by fostering, adopting or being a permanent resource in their lives.

You, your family or friends can transform the lives of young children and adolescents by providing a home that is a safe haven and that is a place where loving and caring abounds.

If you are sure that you could provide this type of home and family for children and young adults, please become a foster or adoptive parent! Act now! Call to attend an orientation at one of our Bronx or Manhattan locations.

If you are not sure that you can provide this type of home and family for children and young adults because you need more information. Act now! Call and plan to attend an orientation so you can get more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

What is Foster Care?

Foster care is a temporary arrangement where licensed families care for children who are in the care of the Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner until their birth parents can care for them, they are adopted, or another permanent living arrangement is made.

How do I become a foster or adoptive parent?

You can apply to become a foster or adoptive parent if you are able to meet all of the following requirements:

• 21 years of age or older;
• Are married or single;
• Have sufficient income to meet your family needs;
• Are able to provide each child with his or her own bed;
• Are a legal resident.

The following steps are necessary to become a foster parent:

• Attend an orientation session;
• Complete an application, child abuse background check, fingerprinting, provide medical reports and other paperwork;
• Attend our preparation and training sessions;
• Participate in a home study process.

Supports and Resources

Foster Adoptive Parent Association

The Catholic Guardian Society and Home Bureau’s Foster/Adoptive Parent Association (FAPA) had its genesis with the agency supporting foster parents on an informal basis. This commitment to serving and supporting foster parents was formalized through the creation of the Foster/Adoptive Parent Association (FAPA).

Today, CGSHB’s Foster/Adoptive Parent Association continues to carry out its original mission and purpose to GUIDE, SUPPORT, SERVE, and ASSIST by working closely with agency administration to open channels of communication and opportunities for foster/adoptive parent involvement, problem resolution, and protection and advocacy for the rights of all foster and adoptive parents.

CGHSB supports this mission by embracing, listening, and involving the leadership and membership of the association in their efforts to enhance the foster parenting experience for children, families and the foster and adoptive parents.

CGSHB leadership recognizes the importance of a sincere partnership between all agencies and individuals invested in caring for children and creating or reuniting families. Foster parents participate in:

• Trips and outside activities for foster parents and their foster and biological children
• Annual Christmas party for the children
• Active participation in the NYS FAPA and National FAPA annual conferences
• MAPP Train-the-Trainer and opportunities to participate in panels or co-lead trainings
• Opportunities to speak at orientations and recruitment activities
• Annual Foster Parent Recognition Ceremonies
• Training on Child and Family centered topics
• Supports and Resources for foster families and the children in their care
• Foster Parent Incentive - Referrals
• Foster Parent Complaint and Compliments Hotline
• Foster Parent Peer Support Hotline and Buddy system
• Staff assigned to work with Foster Adoptive Parent Association