Foster Care
Foster care is the program that is responsible for services for children in the custody of the Commissioner of Social Services in foster homes, group homes or residential facilities. Caseworkers develop permanency plans for children in placement, working diligently to return them to their families, or when that is not is available, to work towards adoption or independent living.
Services given to birth families when a child is placed in foster care may include:
 | Casework counseling and case management |
| Permanency planning |
| Independent living services to teens |
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Services to help return the child to their home as soon as possible |
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Legal interventions to facilitate permanency for children not returning home |
Services given to families who want to be foster parents may include:
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Orientation, certification and training |
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Caseworker counseling and support services |
| Stipends for room and board, clothing and other costs |