Ever wondered what it really takes to become a foster parent in one of the busiest cities in the world? The process might be more accessible—and more impactful—than you think. From background checks to home visits, there’s a structured path to opening your home to a child in need. Keep reading to discover each step in how to become a foster parent in NYC.
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TL;DR:
Becoming a foster parent in NYC involves a clear, structured process. You’ll begin by attending an orientation with ACS or an agency to learn about expectations and support. Then, complete around 30 hours of trauma-informed training (NTDC/TRIPP), pass background checks, and undergo a home study. Once certified, you’ll be matched with a child based on your strengths and the child’s needs.
What training does ACS require for foster parents?
Before becoming certified, prospective foster parents in New York City must complete a structured, trauma-informed training program guided by the city’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). As of 2024–2025, ACS mandates 30 hours of pre-service training based on the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC), incorporating principles from the Trauma-Responsive Informed Parenting Program (TRIPP).
This foundational training must be completed before certification and is designed to equip caregivers with the essential skills to support children with complex emotional and behavioral needs.
In addition to the pre-service requirement, foster parents must complete 12 additional hours of TRIPP preparation within their first year of fostering. These sessions emphasize safety, attachment, trauma awareness, behavior support, permanency planning, and collaboration with professional teams.
While New York State has historically relied on the MAPP/GPSII training model, NYC’s current ACS guidelines prioritize NTDC/TRIPP as the core curriculum. Local agencies are also required to maintain records of completed formation and background clearances for all certified or approved foster/adoptive parents.
Attend an orientation session with ACS or an agency
Before becoming a foster parent in NYC, your first practical step is attending an orientation session with ACS or a partnering foster care agency. These sessions help you understand the process, responsibilities, and realities of fostering. They also mark the beginning of your official journey.
What you can expect from the orientation:
- Overview of foster parenting in NYC: Understand your role, expectations, and the impact of fostering.
- Eligibility and certification steps: Learn what’s required to qualify and how to begin the application process.
- Training calendar and requirements: Get details on the pre-service training timeline and content.
- Support services: Explore the types of assistance available, including financial stipends, child health coverage, and respite care.
- Trauma-informed caregiving: Hear about the emotional needs of children in care and the importance of trauma awareness.
- Matching and placement process: Learn how agencies match children with foster families.
- Next steps: After orientation, you’ll typically be invited to submit an inquiry or recruitment form to continue.
Complete foster parent training (MAPP or equivalent)
Before becoming certified, foster parents in New York must complete a comprehensive formation program designed to build foundational caregiving skills. Whether you take the historically used MAPP/GPSII course or the current NYC standard (NTDC/TRIPP), the training prepares you to care for children who have experienced trauma and to collaborate with the broader child welfare team.
What you’ll learn:
- Understanding trauma, child development, and behavior support
- Building cultural humility and maintaining children’s identity and connections
- Partnering with birth families and planning for permanency (e.g., reunification or adoption)
- Navigating court, casework, home safety, and safe sleep standards
Time commitment:
- In NYC: ~30 hours of pre-service training
- Plus 12 hours of in-service TRIPP training in the first year
- Additional ongoing development as required by the state
- Flexible scheduling is often available through agencies
Undergo background checks and a home study
Two main components of this process are background checks and a home study, both designed to ensure a stable, secure environment for children in care.
Background clearances include fingerprint-based criminal history checks for all prospective foster parents and typically for other adults living in the household. In addition, a check of the State Central Register (SCR) for child abuse and maltreatment is required. These safeguards are standard across New York State and reflect a shared commitment to child safety.
The home study is an in-depth review conducted by a homefinder or caseworker. It includes interviews with all household members, reference checks, evaluation of financial stability, and an inspection of the home’s safety—such as appropriate sleeping space, secure storage of hazardous items, and fire safety measures. The assessment also explores the family’s caregiving strengths, available support systems, and willingness to care for different age ranges or sibling groups.
Get certified and matched with a child in need
Certification/approval marks the final step in the foster parent onboarding process. Once you’ve completed orientation, pre-service training, a successful home study, reference checks, and all required background clearances—and your home meets safety standards—your agency may recommend you for certification or approval.
This approval is regulated by New York’s Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and all documentation is kept on file. After certification, NYC agencies continue to support foster parents, including through required first-year training hours like TRIPP.
Matching with a child is a thoughtful, individualized process. Agencies and ACS work to place children based on the needs of the child and the strengths of your household. Factors considered include the age range you’re prepared for, willingness to care for sibling groups, ability to meet medical or developmental needs, cultural and language alignment, and distance to the child’s school or family.
Your capacity to engage in co-parenting with birth families is also essential. The goal is a safe, stable, and supportive match—one that benefits both the child and caregiver.
Key Takeaways:
- ACS Training Requirements
Prospective foster parents in NYC must complete 30 hours of NTDC/TRIPP trauma-informed training before certification, plus 12 additional hours within the first year. The training covers safety, behavior support, trauma, attachment, and collaboration with professionals. - Attend an Orientation
Orientation sessions with ACS or partner agencies explain the fostering process, eligibility, training requirements, available supports, trauma-informed care, and the placement process. Attending orientation is the first formal step to begin your application. - Complete Pre-Service Training
NYC foster parent training (NTDC/TRIPP or MAPP/GPSII) teaches trauma care, cultural humility, child development, safe caregiving practices, and working with birth families. It includes ~30 hours pre-service and 12 hours of in-service training in the first year. - Background Checks and Home Study
All adults in the household must undergo fingerprint and child abuse background checks. A caseworker also conducts a home study to assess safety, caregiving strengths, financial stability, and openness to various child needs. - Certification and Matching
After completing all steps, the agency may certify the foster parent. ACS and agencies then match children with families based on the child’s needs and the family’s strengths, with a focus on creating stable and supportive placements.
Sources.
NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). “Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent.” https://www.nyc.gov/site/acs/child-welfare/become-foster-adoptive-parent.page
OCFS. 24-OCFS-ADM-10-R1 (2025). Regulatory requirement (18 NYCRR 443.2) that districts/agencies must provide training to certified/approved foster/adoptive parents. https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/policies/external/2024/adm/24-OCFS-ADM-10-R1.pdf
New York State Department of Health. (2024). Eligibility requirements for health home services and continued eligibility in the Health Home Program (Policy # HH0016). https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/medicaid_health_homes/policy/eligibility_requirements_hh_hh0016.htm