ICPC State Pages

New York Foster Care

Rates (Foster Care)

Foster care rate paid at:

• Sending State’s rate

New York foster care rates:

Requirements (Foster Care)

Foster Care Resource Requirements:

•  18 NYCRR Part 443

Training (Education and Training):

• 18 NYCRR Part 443

Requirements (Licensing)

Licensing Requirements:

• Foster homes are “certified” (the term used for non-relative homes) or “approved” (the term used for relatives) according to the same standards.

  Adoptive homes that meet all NYS standards and regulations for an adoption to finalize in court are Authorized Approved Adoptive Homes.

  Completion of the certification and approval process includes the home study, the State Central Registry (child abuse) clearance, and the criminal history record review process, including fingerprinting.  Foster parents are certified/approved when all are completed successfully.  The home study process should be completed within 60 days from the date the completed application from the prospective foster parent is received.

Foster Care Placements:

New York requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:

• Foster Care
• Relative-Foster Care
• Adoption
• Foster/Adopt

New York uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:

• Approve (Adoption)
• Verified (Foster Home)
• Certified

New York resource training program is as follows:

• MAPP

• Many agencies use the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting/Group Preparation and Selection (MAPP/GPS) Pre-Certification Training Program. Although it is not required by the Office of Children and Family Services, it is the recommended selection and preparation program.  In addition to the MAPP/GPS training provided to new and prospective foster parents, in some agencies, a Mini-MAPP training program is available to existing foster parents so that they too can learn the approach.

New York accepts the following training programs as comparable to its education and training program licensing:

• Other: Varies with each Region in New York; and the Training must meet New York curriculum.

Wait Time - (License/Certification/Approval - Education and Training)

Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:

• 3-6 mos.

Length of time a license is valid before renewal required:

• 1 year

New York offers classes (education and training) to become licensed/certified/approved:

• Other:

  Agencies must provide training for foster parents to help them meet the needs of children in their care, receive information on technique in managing behavior and preventing abuse and neglect, and understand the expectations of the agency.

  New foster parents need preparation and training to be effective in their role. Foster parents who have been accepted for a home study, or relatives who are in the process of a home study must be oriented to:

  • The social, family, and personal problems that lead to family breakdown and the need for the placement of children.
  • The problems and reactions of children upon separation, and the function and responsibility of the foster family in relation to the child, the parents, and the agency staff.
  • The agency policy and practice to have defined goals to achieve permanency for each child entering the foster care system.
  • The authority of the local social services districts, the Office of Children and Family Services, and the Family Court to supervise the agency’s practice.
  • The nature of the relationship of agency staff to foster parents and children, including definitions of the function and responsibility of the caseworkers assigned to the children and their families.
  • The payments to foster parents for care and expenses; the definition of foster family care; and certification or approval of the home.
  • The rights and responsibilities of a foster parent as defined by a letter of understanding that must be executed at the time of certification or approval.

  Foster parents who receive a higher level of board rate are required to actively participate in annual training.

  MAPP Training

  The MAPP approach to foster parenting encourages open communication and trust among foster families, adoptive families, birth families and casework staff.  The MAPP program examines 12 criteria or skills necessary for successful foster/adoptive parenting. Through role-playing, personal profiles, and other techniques, the homefinder and the applicant make mutual decisions about foster parenting.

  Objectives of the training for prospective foster and adoptive parents are:

  • Learning what to expect and what services are available.
  • Looking at one’s own strengths and needs.
  • Developing skills in giving love and attention to a troubled child.
  • Learning about stages of child development.
  • Helping children manage behavior.
  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities of teamwork.
  • Helping foster parents develop a good understanding of the child’s parents.

Wait Time for Criminal Records Results

Wait time for fingerprint results are:

Live Scan or other technology

• State: 48-72 hours
• Local/County: Not Offered

Manually - Fingerprint Card

• State: 4-7 days
• Local/County: Not Offered