Adoption Services
There are occasions when families are not able to resolve the problems and issues that led to the placement of their child or children in foster care. A federal law, the Adoption and Safe Families Act requires that an agency file a petition to terminate parental rights if after 15 of 22 months of placement, the child is not reunited with the family. Adoption becomes the alternative plan for the child.
The children who need adoptive homes are usually children who have been in foster care. The first choice of adoptive parenting is the foster parent. Forestdale's program works with the foster parents to understand the differences between foster care and adoption, and to finalize the adoptive process. An adoption subsidy may be available.
Forestdale also recruits prospective adoptive parents for children not being adopted by their foster parents who need adoptive homes. These children, usually considered "special needs" children, are often part of a sibling group, older youth, or children with some emotional difficulties. An adoption subsidy may also be available for special needs children.
No child should ever remain in foster care without a warm, loving and permenant family. Adoption is a way to ensure such permanence.
If you are interested in becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent, please review our list of Frequently Asked Questions and contact us at 718.263.0740 and ask for Homefinding.