Ask the Expert

Listen in as Tracy from iHeart Media sits down with several Together for Youth families to explore the unique journeys that led them to foster. Each conversation offers a different perspective, from single parents to multigenerational households, and sheds light on the real-life challenges, meaningful connections, and the big and little moments that come with opening your home to youth in care.

A Conversation with Marilee

Tune in as Marilee shares how she found the confidence to begin her foster parenting journey as a single person. She reflects on the experience of co-parenting with a biological mother, and how each youth who entered her home has offered a new perspective. With the right support system, Marilee believes that anyone with a willing heart and a loving spirit can take the first step toward becoming a foster parent.

Listen in with Elizabeth & Amelia

Listen in as Elizabeth shares how she involved all of her children in the decision to become a foster family, making sure each voice was heard before opening their home to youth in care. Her oldest daughter, Amelia, reflects on what the experience has been like from her perspective and how fostering has shaped her view of family, empathy, and connection.

Catching Up with Theresa

Tune in as Theresa sits down with Tracy to share her experience as a respite foster parent, providing short-term care to children and vital support to fellow foster families. Whether you’re curious about what respite care involves or considering taking that first step yourself, this candid conversation offers insight, encouragement, and heart.

Delaney & Elizabeth’s Perspective

Delaney and Elizabeth explain what the foster parent onboarding process looks like, from the first call to getting licensed. They break it down step by step and share how Together for Youth supports you along the way. If you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent, this is a great place to start.

Hear What Amelia Has to Say

Amelia shares what it’s like when foster kids move into her home, not as a foster parent, but as the biological daughter of one. She talks about how her family prepares, how she helps new kids feel welcome, and what it’s like to grow up in a home that fosters. It’s a unique and heartfelt perspective.

impact numbers 550 TFY certified foster families across NYS
impact numbers 130+ Years transforming lives
impact numbers 17,000 Children are currently in foster care
impact numbers 55 NYS counties served
impact numbers 90% of children in foster care achieved their treatment goals

Foster Parent FAQs

Most adults over the age of 21 qualify to foster. Which means you probably will too! View our most commonly asked questions- the answers may surprise you.

A woman with curly hair and a child holding a teddy bear sit closely on a sofa, sharing a tender moment in a cozy, warmly lit room with a brick wall background.

Foster Parent

Inquiry Form

Ready to take the next steps? Complete our Foster Parent Inquiry form. A member of our foster care team will contact you to discuss the process of changing the life of a child by becoming a foster parent!

Therapeutic Foster Care Inquiry Form

Name(Required)
Address
Providing your address is optional, however, entering it will help us match you to a homefinder in your community.
Tell us all of the ways you heard about us.(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
decor