Adoptive Parents

Foster Care and/or Adoption of Older Children

There are more than half a million children in foster care in the United States, and one out of every four of them is ready and waiting for adoption. The number of children needing permanent families has skyrocketed, as changes in public policy have expedited permanency options.

We at FFTA believe with all our hearts that every child has the right to a “forever family” — a family that has the capacity — and will make the commitment — to love and care for them and to provide for their lifelong wellbeing.

The average time a child remains in foster care has lengthened to nearly three years. Children in foster care deserve the nurturing and support that a permanent family can provide. Each year, nearly 20,000 children will age out of the public system without ever being placed with a permanent family.

Many of those children will have entered the system through no fault of their own, but rather as a result of the fact that their birth parents were unable to provide them the care they required.

Foster care can often give a child and his or her foster parent or parents the opportunity to grow together as a family prior to — and during — the adoption process. If you would be interested in learning more about the opportunities of foster parenting, or the process of adoption through foster care, please consult your FFTA counselor.

The New York State Office of Children & Family Services is responsible for prequalifying foster parents and assigning foster children in this state. Use these links for more information about the requirements of foster parenting , resources available to foster parents and the most frequently asked questions by individuals and families considering becoming foster parents.

You may also want to visit the New York State Citizens’ Coalition for Children’s website. They have put together a list of resources for those considering adoption and/or foster care.