Foster parents provide care for children when they need help most. Warren County has a significant need for more people to help local children as foster parents, and an informational meeting will be held February 26th, 2026 for those who may want to help local children through foster care.
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. To that end, DSS staff will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 26th, to provide information to those who may have an interest in serving as foster parents.
The Department of Social Services needs eight additional 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 to consider 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 for foster parents, and retirees are more than welcome.
· Applicants to be on Warren County’s foster care list do not have to reside in Warren County.
Christina Mastrianni, Warren County Commissioner of Social Services, said “Increasing the number of foster parents in Warren County is critical to strengthening our community by providing a crucial safety net for children. We have a number of children in care who need affection, structure, understanding, and a safe home that is provided by foster parents.”
The February 26th 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 free 10-week foster parent training session starting March 18, 2026 for prospective foster parents.
Those who would like more information can log on to www.warrencountyny.gov/socserv/fosterjoin, email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 518-761-7650.
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