Foster Care & Adoption

Foster Care is the temporary service provided to ensure the safety and well being of children and youth while in out-of-home care.

Foster homes are needed for all ages, but especially for teens and sibling groups.

Help Us Help Children & Families in Our Community

You can apply to become a foster parent if you...

• Are at least 21 years old
• Are in good health
• Are married, single, or living with a partner
• Can make room in your home and heart for a child or children who need safe, temporary care

Services provided to foster parents by the Department of Social Services include...

• Clothing allowance for each child
• Health insurance for each child
• Ongoing training and 24-hour emergency services
• Regular home visits and contact with agency staff
• Room and board payments for the care of the child

Important Dates

Our foster parent training is scheduled to begin September 12, 2023. Check back for more information. Classes run from 6 to 9 p.m. each Tuesday evening.

An orientation meeting will be scheduled for August 15, 2023, at 7 p.m.  This meeting is open to anyone who has an interest in foster care or adoption with Madison County.

If you have any questions about the foster parent training program, please call Madison County Child and Family Services at 315-366-2548.

Classes run in the Spring and the Fall, please call anytime to inquire.

 Madison County Office Building Quilt

In May 2013, in honor of Foster Care Month, a special quilt hung in the Madison County Office Building lobby. The quilt was made up of squares that were decorated by children in foster care and foster parents.