Join a Virtual Information Session
Interested in fostering but not sure how it works, what the requirements are, or if you’ll be a good fit? We are happy to answer your questions LIVE in our information sessions!
Their Stay Might be Temporary, but your Impact on Youth in Foster Care is Forever
Be a champion for youth in foster care. Become a foster parent today for Allegheny County youth.
Hundreds of Allegheny County youth in foster care need homes.
Cayuga Centers is seeking diverse, loving foster homes for Pittsburgh youth. Fill out the form to be contacted with more information.
Click here to set up an appointment at your chosen time.
Upcoming Events
Show your support to the children and families we serve by attending our events.
Foster Care Virtual Information Session
First Tuesday of Every Month
Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or just want to learn more, this event is for you. Our team of experts will provide valuable insights and answer all your questions.
Meet our Cayuga Centers Foster Parents
Our resilient and committed foster parents are the backbone of Cayuga Centers. Every day they open their hearts to youth from all walks of life, making a permanent impact on their future. In partnership with our team, we are able to provide the active treatment needed to establish care and work toward unification.
Love makes room: The Cooks’ foster journey to adoption
When Andrew and Jessica Cook decided to become foster parents, they weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Now, they’ve grown to a family of seven. They have navigated challenges, created memories, and found unexpected joy in fostering—proving that love always makes room.
Olivia’s story: How a new agency is redefining foster care in Allegheny County with a bundled service approach
For youth in foster care, sometimes the littlest victories lead to the biggest success. Take Olivia — a Pittsburgh teen who, after years of uncertainty, is now thriving thanks to the support of Cayuga Centers.
An open heart and home: Eric’s foster parent story
Eric shares his heartfelt story which beautifully illustrates the profound difference a quality foster home can make, not only in the lives of youth in need but also in the hearts of those who open their homes to them.
Change a life with confidence
Our bundled support meets the needs of both youth and foster parents.
At Cayuga Centers, we know that fostering can be a big task. That’s why we provide the tools you need to transform a young person’s life. Our Pittsburgh and Allegheny county foster care training and support services mean that our foster parents can feel confident in their skills and abilities to be excellent caregivers.
You will be supported
✓ Partner with a treatment team
✓ 24/7 support with daily check-ins
✓ Monthly foster parent support groups
You can feel prepared
✓ Trauma-informed foster parent training
✓ Monthly tax-free stipends to help provide
financial support for the youth
You are not alone
✓ Help with scheduling youth’s
appointments and meetings
✓ Therapy and life skills lessons provided to youth
Requirements:
✓ Age 21+
✓ Own or rent your own home
✓ Have a room for a child
✓ Have a regular source of income
✓ Provide medical information for all household members
✓ Provide 3 references
✓ Pass State Central Registry clearances, criminal record checks, and fingerprint checks
✓ Undergo CPR & First Aid training
Process:
1. Contact a Cayuga Centers team member
2. Attend an information session
3. Complete application and home assessment
4. Complete pre-service training
5. Continue with mutual assessment process
6. Home assessment and home study
7. Certification
8. Placement
Get certified on your schedule.
Make an investment in a youth’s future
To ensure the best fit for both our youth and foster parents, our process is thorough. However, we make our training as accessible as possible with options for morning and evening sessions and remote training. The best part? You can start training right away.
Want to speak to an expert?
Book an online session with our team!
Through our 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!
Need more time to book an information session with us? Start by filling out our interest form.
📢 Upcoming Info session! 📢
This Friday! Learn more about becoming an Allegheny County foster parent by joining an information session! Every child deserves a champion. 🏆
📅 - 5/30
⏰ - 12 PM
📍 - Virtual
Message us to learn more, or schedule an information session at https://ow.ly/gyX050VrABc !
#fostercare #fosterlove #fostercayugacenters
May 27
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR LAST SESSION! Join us for a powerful conversation on the future of foster care. Allies for Children, Cayuga Centers, and the Office of Children, Youth & Families invite you to a virtual event focused on ending the need for group
placement.
Together, we’ll explore real solutions to ensure every young person has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive, family-based setting. You’ll gain valuable insights shaped by the voices of over 300 people at the heart of this conversation.
Virtual Session Date: May 30 at 12:00 PM
It`s FREE and VIRTUAL. Scan the QR code or register on Eventbrite here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ending-the-the-need-for-group-placement-4280323 (copy and paste the URL address into your browser)
May 27
Only 2 sessions left! Register now for a powerful conversation on the future of foster care. Allies for Children, Cayuga Centers, and the Office of Children, Youth & Families invite you to a virtual event focused on ending the need for group placement.
Together, we’ll explore real solutions to ensure every young person has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive, family-based setting. You’ll gain valuable insights shaped by the voices of over 300 people at the heart of this conversation.
Virtual Session Dates:
May 21 at 5:30 PM
May 30 at 12:00 PM
All sessions are FREE and VIRTUAL. Scan the QR code or register on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ending-the-the-need-for-group-placement-4280323 (copy and paste the URL address into your browser)
May 19
JOIN US TOMORROW for a powerful conversation on the future of foster care.
Allies for Children, Cayuga Centers, and the Office of Children, Youth & Families invite you to a virtual event focused on ending the need for group placement.
Together, we’ll explore real solutions to ensure every young person has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive, family-based setting. You’ll gain valuable insights shaped by the voices of over 300 people at the heart of this conversation.
Let’s reimagine what’s possible—together. Virtual Session Dates:
May 14 at 2:00 PM
May 21 at 5:30 PM
May 30 at 12:00 PM
All sessions are FREE and VIRTUAL. Scan the QR code or register on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ending-the-the-need-for-group-placement-4280323
May 13
REMINDER: Allies for Children, Cayuga Centers, and the Office of Children, Youth & Families invite you to join a powerful virtual event to talk about: Ending the Need for Group Placement.
We will explore solutions that help every young person grow up in a supportive, family-based setting. You`ll hear the real lived experiences from over 300 participants central to this conversation.
Virtual Session Dates:
May 13 at 10 AM
May 14 at 2:00 PM
May 21 at 5:30 PM
May 30 at 12:00 PM
All sessions are FREE and VIRTUAL. Scan the QR code or register on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ending-the-the-need-for-group-placement-4280323
May 10
Do you have what it takes to be a foster parent? 🤔
Not every foster parent is the same—and that’s a good thing! Take our quick quiz to find out what your foster parent personality is, then head to our blog to explore how your unique strengths can make a difference.
Comment QUIZ and we`ll send the quiz straight to your inbox.
✨What result did you get? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
#PersonalityQuiz #FosterCayugaCenters
May 10
Kids today are under so much pressure to fit in, to be liked, to get it all right. Social media, school, friends, it can all feel like there’s no room to mess up.
Let’s remind them: mistakes are part of growing. They don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. Every child deserves to feel safe enough to be real.
Let love, understanding, and compassion be louder than the pressure to perform.
#FosterCayugaCenters #FosterLove #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
May 9
Children can carry more stress than we sometimes realize from school, peer pressure, trauma, and uncertainty. Rest is healing.
Let’s model healthy boundaries and remind children: they don’t need to earn rest, they deserve it.
Mental wellness starts with compassion, for them and for ourselves.
#FosterCayugaCenters #FosterLove #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
May 8
Stay connected with our team!