I am 50, I am considering to foster a child, is that possible in li ny?

Question

Most important is that I am single, I would like to know more about the foster system in long island NY...

Answer 1

You do NOT have to work at home to foster or adopt a baby or very young child. That is a myth. I work full time, and am a single mom. I did foster-to-adopt. I got my daughter when she was 2 years old and my son when he was 3 months old. They both go to a fantastic daycare where they are taught developmental skills and socialize with other kids. It's been GREAT for them. My daughter could read when she went to kindergarten, and my son could walk when he was 9 months old (from watching the other kids and wanting to play with them).

I do agree that most agencies will not agree to let a 50  year-old adopt a young child. But a 10+ year-old?? I think they'd go for that. You probably represent a much more stable "known" for a child than younger parents might be. Some of the older kids are WONDERFUL. Of course, they have issues related to the loss of their family, but I've met so many of these kids, and there are some GEMS.

Answer 2

You can go to:

http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/fosterc...

for complete answers & resources, but here's the quick & dirty in NY for you!

God bless you for wanting to become a foster parent.  It's a wonderful thing & you'll be blessed beyond measure.

Ok, the info:

Regulations:

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

A home study and evaluation of the members of the foster family household or the relative’s family household must determine compliance with all of the following criteria for certification or approval:

    * Age: Each foster parent must be over the age of 21.

    * Health: Each member of the household of the foster family must be in good physical and mental health and free from communicable diseases. However, physical handicaps or illness of foster parents or members of their household must be in consideration only as they affect the ability to provide adequate care to foster children or may affect an individual child’s adjustment to the foster family. Cases must be evaluated on an individual basis with assistance of a medical consultant when indicated. A written report from a physician on the health of a family, including a complete physical examination of the applicant, must be filed with the agency initially and biennially thereafter. Additional medical reports must be furnished upon the request of either the agency worker or the foster parent.

    * Employment: Employment of a foster parent outside the home must be permitted when there are suitable plans for the care and supervision of the child at all times, including after school and during the summer. Such plans must be made part of the foster family record and must receive prior agency approval, unless only one of the two foster parents is working outside the home.

    * Marital Status: The marital status of an applicant may be a factor in determining whether or not a certification or approval will be granted only as it affects the ability to provide adequate care to foster children. Changes in marital status must be reported to the authorized agency; existing certificates or letters of approval may be revoked, and new certificates or letters of approval issued consistent with the best interests of the child.

    * Character: Each applicant for certification or approval must be required to provide the agency with the names of three persons who may be contacted for references. The agency must seek signed statements from these individuals attesting to the applicant’s moral character, mature judgment, ability to manage financial resources, and capacity for developing a meaningful relationship with children, or interview the individuals in person.

    * Ability and Motivation: The agency must explore each applicant’s ability to be a foster parent and must discuss the following topics:

          o The reasons a person seeks to become a foster parent.

          o The understanding of the foster parent role, including the responsibilities of foster parents in relation to the child, the agency, and the family.

          o The person’s concerns and questions about foster care services.

          o The person’s psychological readiness to assume responsibility for a child and his/her ability to provide for a child’s physical and emotional needs.

          o The agency’s role and authority to supervise the placement.

          o The attitudes that each person who would be sharing living accommodations with the child in foster care has about foster care and his/her concept of a foster child's role in the family.

          o The awareness of the impact that foster care responsibilities have upon family life, relationships, and current lifestyle.

          o The principles related to the development and discipline of children and the need of each child for guidance, a supportive relationship, appropriate stimulation, and the opportunity to identify with a parent or surrogate whose history reflects a value system that is socially constructive.

          o A person’s self-assessment of his/her capacity to provide a child with a stable and meaningful relationship.

Answer 3

In Iowa, it would not be a problem. I do not know about NY. When I was in foster care, I had foster parents who were in their mid thirties to late sixties. I had one single foster parent as well who was in her fifties and had a heart condition and it was not a problem for her to get a license. Might be different where you are.

Answer 4

It's unlikely that a single person of 50 would be allowed to foster a very young child, but they have a lot of trouble placing older kids and teens. Partly because they're no longer cute and innocent, and partly because some have serious social or behavior issues. If you're up to the challenge, make a phone call to a social service agency on Long Island, and they'll steer you toward the people you need to contact for more information.

Answer 5

Yes, there is no upper age limit to be a foster parent and no requirement that you be married.  Contact your local children's sevices office, there is usually an interview process that includes a home study.  You are also usually required to attend classes before being approved.  Every state in the US has a shortage of available foster parents, I am sure your area is no different.  Congratulations on your decision to help the children of your community.

Answer 6

50? I'm not sure, if you can still adopt. Look into it =]

Answer 7

I think it's great!  being single isn't a problem.  But they want to know that you have family and friends to count on when you are stressed out.  someone who will babysit for you.  You have to take parenting class, mapp. and get a home study.

Answer 8

Yes, you can foster!  But not likely a baby, unless you work at home.  They do not want this child who has been removed from its home or discharged from the hospital to sit in day care all day.  Likely if you work outside the home, you would be eligible to foster school aged children.

You age and marital status are fine!

Good luck!