Share the Love. Become a Foster Parent.
Could you provide a home in Queens or Brooklyn, guidance, and love to young people who cannot safely remain with their birth parents? Becoming a foster parent is a rewarding journey that significantly impacts a child's life.
Connect with us to learn more:
Fill in the Contact form
Call: (917) 336-3851
What do Foster Parents Do?
Foster Parents temporarily take on the role of the parent and provide a caring family environment. They
Provide a safe and nurturing environment where children feel secure and valued.
Meet a child’s basic needs – food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare access.
Support a child’s emotional and social development by helping children build healthy relationships, develop positive attachments, and achieve their full potential.
Partner with professionals such as case workers, therapists, teachers, doctors, and birth parents to meet the child’s needs.
Prepare the child for reunification with their biological family or, alternately, a new, permanent adoptive home.
Receive a stipend based on the child’s age and needs.
After becoming a certified foster parent, you have a choice: You can elect to help a child until he or she gets re-united or adopted, or you can provide short-term (1-21 days) respite foster care. Respite care temporarily relieves primary foster parents, allowing them to recharge and maintain a healthy balance. It can be a great alternative if you do not want to commit long-term.
Foster Parent of the Month: Ms. Barton
Socio-Therapist Thanjila Hussain: “Ms. Barton has always been an outstanding and committed foster parent. While working with Ms. Barton, I have seen her care for two children with behavioral challenges. Ms. Barton has built trusting relationships with each child, stood by them through their challenges, and celebrated every success along the way. Ms. Barton demonstrates a clear understanding of the children's history and trauma and uses this knowledge effectively to support their emotional and behavioral needs. Ms. Barton is a devoted and nurturing foster parent who creates a safe and welcoming environment where the children can truly thrive. Congratulations Ms. Barton for being celebrated as Foster Parent of the Month, thank you for all that you do!”
Case Planner Laura Perez: “I've had the pleasure of working with Ms. Barton since July of 2024. Time and time again Ms. Barton have proven to be dedicated and consistent with the children in her home. Even through the difficult moments, Ms. Bartons remains committed to helping and providing stability to children. Ms. Barton expresses love and compassion to the children she cares for and even goes as far to collaborate with the birth family. Ms. Barton is truly an incredible example of what it means to be a foster parent.”
FPS&R Team: “Ms. Barton has demonstrated exceptional commitment and compassion in caring for a child with special needs. Her patience and commitment to meeting the child’s emotional and developmental needs truly reflect the heart of foster care. We thank you for your unwavering support.”
Why Partner with Forestdale?
Forestdale has been helping children and families since 1854 and offers expanded services to nurture them, help them overcome trauma, and break the cycle of poverty. As a foster parent, you have a whole team supporting you and the child. We will also provide training sessions addressing responsibilities, safety, parenting, and our services.
Learn More at Foster Parent Orientation
Greetings,
Let us be the first to commend you on your interest in becoming a foster parent. You are cordially invited to attend an orientation session.
You'll need to participate in one Forestdale Foster Parent orientation session during your journey to becoming a foster parent. You will learn about the foster care system, Forestdale’s support, and the role of foster parents. Please ensure that you submit or prepare questions for the Orientation Q&A! For couples, both partners are required to attend the Orientation. See you soon!
Resources
Additional Resources:
If You’ve Ever Wanted to Be a Foster Parent, ‘Now Is the Time to Get Involved’
Join Zoom Meeting - The link will be used for all future Orientation dates; do not use any altered dates added to your calendar.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81546999016?pwd=dk0xcC9rcXByenY0eWkxY2lQRVUzZz09
Meeting ID: 815 4699 9016 Passcode: 415023
Cameras must be on, no exceptions
Forestdale Foster Parent Orientation
There are six scheduled occurrences, but you only have to attend one. All times are Eastern Time (US and Canada)
October 5, 2025, 7:00 PM
October 19, 2025, 7:00 PM
November 2, 2025, 7:00 PM
November 23, 2025, 7:00 PM
December 7, 2025, 7:00 PM
December 21, 2025, 7:00 PM