Few jobs are as fulfilling as parenting, particularly when parents provide help for children in a time of need. Foster parents provide care for children at crucial times in their lives, and Warren County has a significant need for more people to help local children as foster parents.
Warren County Department of Social Services (DSS) is working to educate the public about the personal rewards of foster care, and dispel myths about how the system works. DSS staff will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 to provide information to those who may have an interest in serving as foster parents.
The Department of Social Services needs an additional 10 foster parents to meet the needs of the child protective system in Warren County. The DSS staff is recruiting foster parents for infants and toddlers, sibling groups, children with special needs and teenagers.
Some important facts about foster parenting:
- Foster parents can be male or female, married or single. Individuals who apply to become foster parents must be at least 21 years of age.
- Foster parents receive a daily board rate, clothing allowance and Medicaid coverage for each child.
- Children under the age of 5 receive assistance from the Women Infants Children (WIC) program.
- There is no age limit, and retirees are more than welcome.
- Applicants to be on Warren County’s foster care list do not have to reside in Warren County.
“We have a number of children in care who need affection, structure, understanding, and a safe home that is provided by foster parents. Increasing the number of foster parents in Warren County is critical to strengthening our community by providing a crucial safety net for children,” explained Christina Mastrianni, Warren County Commissioner of Social Services.
The April 23rd meeting will be held at Warren County Human Services Building, 1340 Route 9, Queensbury, starting at 6 p.m.
In addition to the informational meeting, Warren County Department of Social Services will hold a 10-week foster parent training session starting in May.
Those who would like more information can log on to www.warrencountyny.gov/socserv/fosterjoin, email Rachael.DuRose@dfa.state.ny.us or Sarah.Rowell@dfa.state.ny.us or call 518-761-7650.