Foster Care Services for children include assessing the need for, arranging for and providing for the placement of, and services to, individuals under the age of 18 (under 21 in cases of children in foster care prior to age 18 who remain in care) in a foster home, group home, residential or other type of facility. The Unit works with parents and other family members to provide services that will allow a child to be safely returned home. If that is not possible, alternate permanency plans may be made that can include placement with a relative or family friend, preparation for independent living upon a youth’s discharge from foster care, or the termination of parental rights and placement for adoption.

Tioga County recruits, trains, and provides on-going support for foster and adoptive parents. Foster parents are provided a monthly payment to cover room and board and foster children may receive Medicaid. Adoptive parents may be eligible for a monthly adoption subsidy and medical coverage based upon the needs of the adoptive child. Services may be provided following legal adoption for the purpose of supporting the placement.

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent may contact the Tioga County Department of Social Services home finder, at tioga.fostercare@dfa.state.ny.us,or by calling 607-687-8346. Foster homes are needed for all ages and in all school districts located throughout the county, especially for sibling groups, teenagers, and children with special needs.  

Overseen by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and for state resources, please visit the OCFS website.

Translation and Notification of Available Post-Adoption Services please visit Post-Adoption Help for Families | Adoption Services | OCFS (ny.gov)