Our Foster Care program provides services to families who are providing full-time care for youth with whom they have a connection by blood or prior relationship, and reside in Onondaga or Oswego County. These caregivers—often grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, or close family friends—play an essential role in keeping children safe, stable, and connected to their families and communities. The high quality services we offer to kinship families mirror those that we provide for our foster families.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

In order to qualify for services, kinship caregivers must have youth who are formally placed in their care through Onondaga or Oswego County Department of Social Services. Youth must still be in the custody of DSS and cannot have court ordered permanency established yet. If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact us to help make a determination.  Family Foster Care Contact Form

Comprehensive Supports

• Kinship Caregiver Training – Our comprehensive kinship caregiver training will allow you to respond appropriately and effectively to the youth placed in your care. Kinship caregivers also have the option to be certified as foster parents if they choose.
• On-Staff Kinship Champion – Guidance on financial assistance, custody and guardianship options. Assists with public awareness and collaboration with local agencies to strengthen support networks for kinship families.
• Building Community – We offer support groups so our kinship and foster families can have a safe place to learn and grow together. We plan regular group activities and celebrations to increase assistance and fellowship.
• Case Management – Case Managers carry the responsibility of coordinating treatment services and ensuring smooth communication between placed youth, families, as well as the court and counties involved.
• Youth Support – Placed youth are connected with a Youth Specialist who works to stabilize them in the home, school and community.  Our Youth Specialists spend 1:1 time working on goals and providing respite to youth placed in our kinship homes.
• Therapy Services– Our licensed clinician will meet regularly with placed youth and with families providing in-home, therapeutic support services to everyone involved.
• Monthly Compensation– Kinship caregivers are provided a monthly stipend to help feed, house and care for youth who are placed in their homes.
• 24/ 7 –Our team knows that you and your family might need our support outside of regular business hours.  We are here to help you whenever you need it.

Liberty Resources also has additional support services that can support foster families, including our Integrated Health Care team, Mobile Crisis, and Home-Based Supports.