Every child deserves a safe, loving home. Northern Rivers has provided care for the children and families of New York for almost 200 years. Our supportive team gives you everything you need to succeed as a foster parent.
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Professional guidance whenever you need it
Locations throughout the region
Comprehensive preparation for your role
To help cover the basic costs of care for the children or youth in your care
Full-time care, respite care, or kinship arrangements
At Northern Rivers, we support all types of foster families. You can become a foster parent if you:
Northern Rivers provides foster care services throughout New York. We urgently need foster parents in:
Foster parents will complete 30 hours of pre-certification training through a nationally recognized program designed to equip them with the skills needed to successfully care for the children they welcome into their home. Foster parents are required to complete 12 hours of ongoing training each year. To support this, the program offers a variety of training sessions, materials, extensive online resources, and discussion groups all designed to help foster parents better support the youth in their care.
There is a multidisciplinary foster care support team who are available in your home or on call whenever you need them. Our staff will support you every step of the way. Our team also offers on-going training opportunities like a monthly support group. This group brings foster parents together to provide a space to gain perspective from others, learn new things, and feel connected to others doing similar work. You do not need to have a child placed in your home to attend. We also meet regularly with individual foster families to engage in problem-solving, improve communication, and support one another through challenges and successes.
A stipend is provided for the care of each child. The individual amount varies depending on the child’s age and needs. The stipend covers daily living expenses. In addition, each child is provided with full coverage for all medical, dental, and therapeutic expenses.
Each child’s situation is different. Some foster children may only need a home for a few weeks, while some require longer term living situations. Every 3 months, a child’s case is reviewed during which permanency is addressed.
Yes! Part-time foster parents who welcome children into their home on a temporary basis are a vital part of our program. They offer the breaks (respite) our foster children and parents may need in order to achieve success and prevent disruption. Respite care can involve one night, one weekend, or longer if necessary.
Transform a child’s future while joining our supportive community of foster parents.