Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
about Foster Parenting

Go ahead!  It’s OK to ask questions.
It’s normal for people to have a lot of questions about foster parenting like “How does the whole process work? What if I discover I’m not cut out for it?  Will I have to take off work to take the classes?” We want you to ask questions so you are comfortable with making the important and generous choice to become a foster parent.  You can call us anytime to learn more about the challenges and rewards of being a foster parent.  We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll free at 1-877-NYAP-CAN (1-877-695-7226).

What exactly is foster care?
Foster care is temporary care for youth who have been removed from their family of origin or biological family either voluntarily or involuntarily.  Reasons for the removal might include abuse, neglect, or the family’s inability to care for the child at this point in time through no fault of their own. Our primary goal is to reunify the youth with his or her family or a relative. This many times means that the family has to make some tough decisions and positive changes to ensure the state the youth will return to a safe and   stable home.  As you can imagine, this can be traumatic for everyone involved and will take some time for everyone to adjust.   

Foster parents are a critical part of helping with this adjustment period.  They provide a caring, safe and stable family environment for the child or group of siblings and assist in providing the supports necessary for the child to return to his or her natural family.  If the child welfare agency decides that the youth should not return home, the youth may remain in foster care until they are adopted or placed in the care of a relative.

What is “therapeutic foster care”?
Therapeutic foster care comes into play for youth who have experienced extreme trauma, abuse or neglect and require specialized treatment programs and counseling.  They many times exhibit more challenging emotional and behavioral problems. 

Most youth referred to NYAP are in need of therapeutic care.  Our experienced staff is there for you to ensure you are prepared to provide the care and support these children and youth with complex issues need.  We’re there to support you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do you chose the youth for me?
It’s a team effort.  We take the time to listen to you and will do what is best for the foster youth, for you and your family.  We carefully review and match youth to foster parents based on our many conversations about your personal preferences, the age of the child and other children in your home, cultural identity, the child’s individual needs and more.  We let you tell us what type of youth you feel would best fit in with your family.

Does NYAP serve medically fragile children and youth?
Yes.  These children and youth have extraordinary conditions which require special care and attention.  We work closely with you to ensure you have the knowledge and support you need to care for and provide a safe and loving home for these special children.

Am I financially responsible for the youth’s care?
Foster families receive a tax free pre-set reimbursement to pay for the needs and basic expenses of the youth.  Payments are made twice monthly via direct deposit and are based on the number of days the foster youth was in care. In most cases, the child’s health insurance is taken care of through the Medicaid program. Reimbursement for other expenses is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Do I have to meet with the birth parents or family of origin?
In most cases, NYAP staff will begin working with a youth’s family immediately with the primary goal of preparing the family for their youth’s return home and to help them resolve the issues and concerns that led to the child being removed from the home in the first place. 

Every situation and every family is different.  We work with the individual needs of each family, including our foster families and the youth.  The foster family, NYAP staff, the birth family and the state caseworker will determine how much interaction and involvement will take place to ensure it is safe and as comfortable as possible for everyone.

Do they have to change schools?
We strongly believe, that when at all possible, it is best to keep the youth in the community they call home and their own school.  However, the primary focus is on the health and well-being of the youth.  If it is necessary, they will need to change schools to the district where you live.

How do I become a NYAP foster parent?
To get things started or to simply ask us more questions about foster parenting, just give us a call.  We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at   1-877-NYAP-CAN (1-877-692-7226).

The process to become a foster parent is a series of steps designed to allow us to get to know you, your family, your motivation to become a foster parent and to help us determine the type of youth that would best fit into your family dynamic.

It is also a time for you to get to know more about foster parenting, our organization and how as a foster parent you can make a difference in the life of a youth, a family and your community.

To become a foster parent, you will meet with someone on our staff who will walk you through the process of gathering the state required    documentation, schedule you for foster parenting training classes, conduct your family assessments or “home studies” and work with you each step of the way to becoming a licensed foster parent.

We’d love to hear from you and to answer all your questions about the challenges and rewards of foster parenting, give us a call today!

We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-877-NYAP-CAN
1-877-692-7226