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
Become a foster parent today for Central New York youth.
Hundreds of CNY youth in foster care need homes.
Cayuga Centers is seeking diverse, loving foster homes in Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Monroe Counties. Enhanced support services empower you to become the foster parent you are meant to be.
Upcoming 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.
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 Central New York 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
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.
Central New York Foster Parents must meet the following requirements:
✓ Age 21+
✓ Own or rent your own home in Syracuse/Onondaga County or Auburn/Cayuga County
✓ Have a room for a child
✓ Regular source of income
✓ Medical information for all household members
✓ Three references
✓ Pass State Central Registry clearances
✓ Criminal record check for all household members
✓ Fingerprint check for all household members
✓ Undergo 12 hours of training per year
Process:
1. Call/email Homefinder to express interest in Central New York foster care
2. Schedule intake interview to learn about the program
3. Complete application
4. 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.
A key part of parenting is fostering a nurturing and open atmosphere where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Whether it`s with family or friends, children should always feel secure among their loved ones. World Child Abuse Prevention Day prioritizes this need, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding them from harmful influences while maintaining a supportive environment. How do you ensure your home is a welcoming place for children?
Nov 19
Sign up for next week`s information session to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care! https://www.eventbrite.com/x/upstate-new-york-cayuga-centers-treatment-foster-care-information-session-tickets-991207487277 #fostercare #fosterwithus #fostercayugacenters
Oct 30
Tomorrow! Join our Ask a Foster Parent LIVE Q&A and meet Diane, a Cayuga Centers foster parent since 2023.
Diane’s journey into foster care was inspired by her own mother, who was also a foster parent. An adventurous spirit who loves to travel, she also enjoys cooking at the Light of Life Rescue Mission. As an empty nester, Diane felt she still had plenty of love to give—and fostering has become her way of making a lasting impact on a youth`s life.
Visit our #linkinbio to register
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayugacenters
Oct 14
🚨This Tuesday!🚨
Have you ever wondered what it`s really like to be a foster parent?
Join Cayuga Centers and our panel of experts as we answer all of your questions regarding the foster parent process.
Learn about fostering from the experts:
- Hear stories from experienced foster parents
- Learn about the requirements and process
- Meet the people who support our foster parents
Visit our #linkinbio to register!
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayuacenters
Oct 13
Have you ever wondered what it`s really like to be a foster parent?
Join Cayuga Centers and our panel of experts as we answer all of your questions regarding the foster parent process.
Learn about fostering from the experts:
- Hear stories from experienced foster parents
- Learn about the requirements and process
- Meet the people who support our foster parents
Visit our #linkinbio to resister!
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayuacenters
Oct 6
Have you ever wondered what it`s really like to be a foster parent?
Join Cayuga Centers and our panel of experts as we answer all of your questions regarding the foster parent process.
Learn about fostering from the experts:
- Hear stories from experienced foster parents
- Learn about the requirements and process
- Meet the people who support our foster parents
Register at our #linkinbio!
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayuacenters
Oct 1
There is still time! Sign up for tonight`s information session to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care! https://www.eventbrite.com/x/upstate-new-york-cayuga-centers-treatment-foster-care-information-session-tickets-991207487277 #fostercare #fosterwithus #fostercayugacenters
Sep 3
Food trauma is an often misunderstood challenge faced by youth in foster care. For many of these young people, food can trigger anxiety and stress instead of comfort and joy.
Our latest blog post, From Scarcity to Security: Food Trauma in Foster Care, explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape a child’s relationship with food and offers practical strategies to help them heal and thrive.
We invite you to read, reflect, and share this important piece with your network of friends and family. Read the entire article and sign up for our newsletter at Cayuga Corner. Link in bio.
#FosterCare #YouthInFosterCare #FoodTrauma #FosterParenting #HealingJourney #FosterCayugaCenters #FosterLove
Aug 26
September is right around the corner! If you’ve been dreading the back-to-school supply run, we’ve got you covered: https://cayugacenters.org/back-to-school-tips-for-foster-parents/
We hope each and every child has a great start to their school year! 🏫📚📝
#backtoschool #fosterlove #fostercayugacenters
Aug 14
"I actually was a foster kid so I know some of those hardships those kids go through.” - @simonebiles
Simone Biles spent three years of her young life in the foster care system before being adopted by her grandparents. This act of love and kinship fostering provided her with the stable foundation she needed to flourish.
Today, Simone is the winner of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals – the most of any gymnast. Her journey is living proof that youth who’ve spent time in the system can grow up to achieve their dreams and more!
At Cayuga Centers, we celebrate the incredible potential of every youth in foster care. 🧡🙌⭐
#FosterCare #KinshipFostering #SimoneBiles #Inspiration #StrengthInFostering #FosterCayugaCenters
#FosterLove
Jul 30
