Embrace the journey. Foster a child's tomorrow.
Become a Foster Parent with Cayuga Centers
At Cayuga Centers, we believe that everyone has something to offer, and your unique background, skills, and knowledge are exactly what a child needs. By becoming a foster parent, you provide the love and stability that a child who has been through trauma needs to thrive.
As an experienced and trusted organization serving children and families since 1852, Cayuga Centers provides 24/7 support to make your journey as a foster parent rewarding and fulfilling. Whether for a weekend, a month, or longer, you can make a difference in a young person’s life and help change the world one child at a time.
The Process
Contact your local Cayuga Centers team to express your interest. Find more about your location’s requirements here.
Complete an application and submit it to your licensing specialist.
Complete required training and home assessment. Read our guide on how to prepare for a home study.
Get certified! Once you have completed the licensing process, Cayuga Centers will work towards matching you with a foster youth.
Meet the Foster Parents
Cayuga Centers has empowered individuals from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles to embark on their journey as foster parents.
From single parents to couples of all gender identities, we firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to provide the nurturing care and safe haven a child deserves.
Meet more of our foster parents and their unique journeys on Cayuga Corner
Every step of the way you are supported
As a foster parent, you will
- Create a stable and nurturing environment for foster youth to thrive.
- Support a child with trauma as they work toward reunification with their family.
- Provide care and support to the child at home and in their community.
- Provide transportation for school, extracurricular activities, and other needs.
- Stay up to date on trauma-informed training.
As your support team, we will
- Provide a treatment team including a case planner, clinician, and skills trainer to help schedule youth’s appointments and provide therapy and skills lessons to foster youth.
- Train you in trauma-informed care so you can feel confident in fostering all levels of youth.
- Be available to you 24/7 and connect you with resources including foster parent support groups.
- Match you with youth to ensure a smooth transition and success of the placement.
Our Locations
We offer Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC), a research-informed, multi-tiered team approach to rebuilding family relationships, and provide care for children who need high levels of support due to trauma. We provide TFFC in Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Pittsburgh, Delaware, and South Florida. In New York City, we offer Unaccompanied Migrant Youth foster care services, including transitional foster care.
Learn more about the specific requirements to become a foster parent in your region.
Pittsburgh
New York City
Central New York
Delaware
South Florida
Mohawk Valley
Foster Care Programs for Unaccompanied Children
NEW YORK CITY ONLY
In addition to our Treatment Foster Care program, we provide foster care services for unaccompanied children (UC) in our Transitional fostering program. To become a UC foster parent, you are required to speak Spanish and live in New York City.
Explore UC Fostering
New York City
Want to speak to an expert?
Online information sessions are available for some of our locations.
Through our 1:1 information sessions, our dedicated team members will talk you through the Cayuga Centers’ foster parenting journey. Learn how you can become the champion a youth needs today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of kids are in foster care?
Children from all backgrounds can be in need of foster care. Sometimes it is a short-term placement while a family receives additional support. Sometimes long-term care is needed. When a child requires additional emotional or behavioral support, our team is there to ensure the foster parents have the training and backup they need. Ages can range from babies to teens. Children come from all cultural and economic backgrounds. The one thing they all have in common is the need for a loving home.
Do foster parents get paid?
Foster parents receive monthly tax-free stipends to cover the expenses of looking after a child. The figure varies depending on your location and the level of care needed for the youth. To learn more, contact your local team.
Can I adopt from foster care?
It is sometimes possible to adopt from foster care, but Cayuga Centers is not a fostering-to-adoption agency. Instead, we prioritize working with families toward reunification. If adoption does end up being the reality for the youth, we are happy to connect our foster parents to a local adoption agency.
Want to learn more?
Our Frequently Asked Questions section can give you answers about training, stipends, qualifications, and so much more.
Cayuga Corner
Looking for more foster parent resources? Our blog Cayuga Corner will help you navigate the ins and outs of the foster parent journey.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
@cayuga.centers
Join us to become an Ambassador for youth in foster care, breaking foster myths, dispelling misconceptions, and encouraging loving individuals to welcome foster youth into their homes. If you`re passionate about our mission and committed to the well-being of children and families, our program offers you a meaningful opportunity to support Cayuga Centers. Accessible graphics, flyers, and social media content empower you to make a difference easily. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey!
#FosterCayugaCenters
#FosterLove
#CayugaCentersAmbassador #JoinUs #BeourAmbassador
Jun 26
We want to wish everyone a very Happy Father’s Day including our Foster Parent Anthony, a single dad who stepped into foster care with determination and heart! Learn how he navigated this journey, from first-time parenting to creating a loving home for teens with special needs.
Read more about Anthony`s incredible journey at Cayuga Corner and discover so much more.
#FosterCayugaCenters #FosterLove
Jun 16
We have had an amazing month celebrating 1 year of our foster care blog, Cayuga Corner. If you haven`t subscribed yet, please visit cayugacenters.org/cayuga-corner . Congratulations to our giveaway winners - Toni C. & Toni V! Look out for a message from us to claim your prize. 🙌
#fostercare #FosterCayugaCenters
Jun 13
As we celebrate Pride Month, we recognize the importance of standing by our LGBTQIA+ youth in the foster care system. Becoming an ally means offering unwavering support, understanding, affirmation, and love to these incredible young individuals. Check out our blog, "Becoming an Ally: Supporting LGBTQIA Foster Youth" via our link in bio, for meaningful tips and insights.
Whether you`re already a foster parent or considering opening your heart and home, let`s work together to create a nurturing environment this Pride month and every month where every child feels seen, heard, and celebrated. Join us to make a difference! 💖 🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #Pride Month2024 #FosterCare #LGBTQIA #BeAnAlly #FosterCayugaCenters
#FosterLove
Jun 12
Becoming a certified foster parent takes time and can be challenging at times, but it`s also incredibly rewarding. Hear real-life insights from our licensors and foster parents, the most common hurdles, and most importantly - - helpful strategies to make the process smoother. Visit Cayuga Corner via the link in our bio to read the full blog and sign up for monthly articles packed with helpful information on your parenting journey. #FosterCayugaCenters
#FosterLove
Jun 5
🎥 Meet Eric, one of our incredible Cayuga Centers Foster Parents! Eric shares why fostering is so important to him and highlights some of his favorite reasons for opening his heart and home to children in need. 🌟
Join us in celebrating Foster Appreciation Month by watching and sharing Eric’s inspiring story. Let’s spread the word about the impact of fostering and show our gratitude for all the love and dedication foster parents share everyday. ❤️
#FosterCare #fosterlove💓#FosterCayugaCenters #FosterAppreciationMonth #FosterCare #InspiringStories #FosterParentsRock
May 31
Today, we celebrate and honor all the incredible foster parents who open their hearts and homes to children in need. Your dedication, love, and compassion make a world of difference. We appreciate you and everything you do! 🧡🧡🧡 #FosterParentAppreciation #ThankYou #MakingADifference #FosterCare #fosterlove💓 #FosterCayugaCenters
#FosterCareMonth #FosterLove #NationalFosterCareAppreciationMonth
May 31
🚨 Last Chance to Win a $50 Gift Card! 🚨
Contest ends tomorrow! We are celebrating 1Year of Cayuga Corner, our Foster Care Blog! ✍️
Enter to WIN a Cayuga Corner tote bag, journal, and a $50 Gift Card. 2 Winners will be chosen! 🧡
Rules of Entry:
1. Subscribe to Cayuga Corner by visiting cayugacenters.org/cayuga-corner
2. Comment on this post with a blog topic idea! Winners will have the opportunity to be featured in a blog article.
3. (Optional) Tag a friend to share this giveaway with your friends and family!
Deadline: Friday, May 31st
Must live in the United States to win.
#giveaway #fostercare #fostercayugacenters #blog #contest #fosterlove
May 30
🚨 ONE WEEK LEFT! 🚨
This month, we are celebrating 1 Year of Cayuga Corner, our Foster Care Blog! 🧡
Enter to WIN a Cayuga Corner tote bag, journal, and a $50 Gift Card. 2 Winners will be chosen!
Rules of Entry:
1. Subscribe to Cayuga Corner by visiting cayugacenters.org/cayuga-corner
2. Comment on this post with a blog topic idea! Winners will have the opportunity to be featured in a blog article.
3. (Optional) Tag a friend to share this giveaway with your friends and family!
Deadline: Friday, May 31st 🗓️
#giveaway #fostercare #cayugacorner #fosterlove #fostercayugacenters
May 23
Meet Anthony, one of our incredible foster parents! 💙 In honor of National Foster Care Appreciation Month, Anthony shares his heartfelt perspective on what fostering means to him. Watch to hear his inspiring story and join us in celebrating the positive impact, tireless dedication, and love of foster parents everywhere! 🌟
#FosterCare #fosterlove💓#FosterCayugaCenters
#FosterCareMonth #FosterLove #NationalFosterCareAppreciationMonth
May 22
