May Is Foster Care Awareness Month

In 2024 there were 13,115 children across New York State living in foster care. While the total number of kids in care statewide has decreased annually since 2020, there is still a critical need for foster parents. During the month of May, organizations across the country help raise awareness of the needs of children and youth in foster care and resources available for adults looking to make a difference in these young people’s lives.

Learn about programs in the North Country that support foster care initiatives, and the resources they offer current and prospective foster parents, with the organization profiles below.

Local Resources & Programs

Together for Youth

Together for Youth, formerly the Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth, was founded in 1886 with a focus of healing and strengthening children in a family setting. Today, that mission continues: to strengthen children and families so they can live safely, independently, and productively within their home communities. Learn about Together for Youth’s foster care program, how to become a foster parent, and check out online resources like their Parenting Blog.

Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country

Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country (CCCCNC) is a non profit agency working to support and strengthen families and childcare professionals throughout the North Country area. CCCCNC provides the Permanency Resource Center and Kinship Program for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers seeking resources for support, advocacy, and assistive services. This program is offered to families in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, and St. Lawrence Counties and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.