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.
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.
A neighborhood mom: The Martinos’ journey from foster care to adoption
When Jaylen and Jahmir met Frances, the siblings found their forever home.
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.
We invite you to observe Foster Care Month at @pghkids! In collaboration with foster agencies throughout Allegheny County, we are providing foster families the opportunity to explore the museum and engage with other families. Comment pghkids for a registration link in the comments! #fostercaremonth #fostercare #fosterlove
Apr 19
💡 Reminder: You can’t show up for others if you’re running on empty.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and while we focus on protecting children, we also need to care for ourselves—because a well-rested, supported caregiver is a stronger one.
Share with someone who needs this reminder!
Apr 18
We invite you to observe Foster Care Month at @pghkids! In collaboration with foster agencies throughout Allegheny County, we are providing foster families the opportunity to explore the museum and engage with other families. Comment pghkids for a registration link in the comments! #fostercaremonth #fostercare #fosterlove
Apr 13
The truth about child abuse might shock you.
Did you know that there were 558,899 confirmed child abuse victims in 2022? And that’s just the beginning… April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we’re shedding light on the reality behind the numbers. Because awareness is the first step toward change.
▶️ Swipe to see the facts—and share to spread awareness.
Apr 11
Want to make a real, lasting difference in the life of a youth in foster care?
Read our blog at Cayuga Corner and learn how to understand trauma, including:
- How to tell the difference between trauma responses and behavior issues
- Supportive ways to help youth feel safe, seen, and supported
- Ways to protect your own emotional well-being as a caregiver
How do you take care of yourself when parenting gets hard? Sign up for more helpful information at Cayuga Corner and make an impact today! Link in bio.
Apr 9
We invite you to observe Foster Care Month at @pghkids! In collaboration with foster agencies throughout Allegheny County, we are providing foster families the opportunity to explore the museum and engage with other families. Please scan the QR code or contact tringgold@pittsburghkids.org to register. #fostercaremonth #fostercare #fosterlove
Apr 7
Stay connected with our team!